Monster Island News

The Monstrous Movie Clip Of The Day: "You Are In Front Of Me. If You Value Your Lives, Be Somewhere Else! "

2012-01-27T07:17:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

There were plenty of great sci fi and fantasy television shows in the 1990s including the "The X-Files", "Xena: Warrior Princess" and an seemingly endless parade of programs with the word "Trek" in the title. The one show that stood out amongst all of these top-notch programs was J. Michael Straczynski's five-year space war saga "Babylon 5". Many critics at the time took the show lightly but Straczynski's strong character driven stories kept me glued to my set episode after episode.

Yes ... "Babylon 5" was my sci fi soap opera.

Today's clip features one of the shows most dramatic and down right awesome scenes from the episode "Severed Dreams". To set things up for you if you never watched the show the space station Babylon 5 has broken away from the Earth Alliance because of attacks on Mars civilians ... okay the story is really too complicated to get into here, just understand that B5 has declared it's independence and a fleet of Earth Alliance cruisers have come to take the station back by force. There is an intense space battle in which the Earth forces overpower the fleet protecting the station, then just when everything seems lost Ambassador Delenn of the Minbari swoops in with her fleet to save the day!

"Only one human captain has ever survived battle with a Minbari Fleet. He is behind me. You are in front of me. If you value your lives, be somewhere else!"

Are you keeping up? Okay maybe only a fan of the show can appreciate just how cool this scene was.

Trust me .... it's so friggin cool!

To put some perspective on this sequence watch the entire battle below:

The Monstrous Movie Quote Of The Day: Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark 1981)

2012-01-26T07:51:00.000-08:00

- "Oh, Marcus. What are you trying to do, scare me? You sound like my mother. We've known each other for a long time. I don't believe in magic, a lot of superstitious hocus pocus. I'm going after a find of incredible historical significance, you're talking about the boogie man. Besides, you know what a cautious fellow I am."
(tosses a gun into his suitcase)

- Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford)(Raiders of the Lost Ark)(1981)

The Monstrous Movie Photo Of The Day: The Illustrated Marilyn Monroe

2012-01-24T07:43:00.000-08:00

Story And Photograph By: Ken Hulsey

Marilyn Monroe is without a doubt the most iconic actress to have ever graced the silver screen. Her images have become synonymous with the golden age of Hollywood and have been plastered on everything from clocks to underwear.

Though literally thousands of photographs of the troubled starlit were taken during her brief but well publicized career not many drawings were made of her likeness.

Today I have one of these rare illustrations for you but the really cool thing about it (well at least I think so) is not the mere fact that it is a drawing of Marilyn but who made it. A close inspection of the drawing reveals the name "Jane Russell" ... yes that Jane Russell.

Actually a fellow Hollywood bombshell herself Russell was quite the artist and often times made drawings of fellow costars on the set.

This particular drawing was made in 1953 during the filming of "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes".

The Monstrous Movie Clip Of The Day: Dinosaur Wrangling Made Easy?

2012-01-23T21:59:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Way back in 1969 the master special effects Ray Harryhausen created one of the most spectacular stop-motion animation shots for the movie "The Valley of Gwangi". To the casual viewer this sequence may not seem like a hard illusion to pull off but to those who know how the scene was achieved it stands as a true testament to hours of hard work and an amazing attention to detail.

Here is the problem that was presented to Harryhausen, "How do you get live action cowboy actors on horseback to lasso an Allosaurus model (Gwangi) that is only about a foot tall and make it look real?" The effect was achieved by having the actors actually lasso a pole that was the same height as a real Allosaurus that was mounted to the back of a Jeep. The jeep and pole when filmed with the miniature dinosaur are on a back rear projection plate and hidden by the body of the model, and the portions of rope attached to it's body are painted wires that are matched with the real ropes for each individual frame by Harryhausen using his keen eye looking through the camera's viewfinder to ensure everything lined up perfectly. The model of Gwangi also had to be manipulated to make it look like the horses and their human riders were reacting to the dinosaurs movements and not vice versa. Overall the five minute sequence took almost a month to complete via this process.

Female Werewolf Movie: A Film & Video Project

2012-01-23T12:21:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, Donald F. Glut. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Writer/producer/director Donald F. Glut plans to make a "female werewolf movie" (as yet untitled).

He has set up a Kickstarter.com website to raise the necessary funds to make the movie. His goal on Kickstarter is to raise $175,000 in 60 days.

Says Glut:

My passion for movie-making began at age 9 when, in my Chicago backyard, I made my first of 41 amateur films. Decades later I realized my dream, producing/writing/directing (so far) 6 independent professional feature-length, campy/sexy horror and fantasy movies – DINOSAUR VALLEY GIRLS, SCARLET COUNTESS, THE MUMMY’S KISS, COUNTESS DRACULA’S ORGY OF BLOOD, THE MUMMY’S KISS: 2ND DYNASTY and, the most recent. BLOOD SCARAB.

Next up -- but requiring financing – is a sexy yet scary female werewolf movie (sorry, the title is still secret; I don’t want anyone snagging it) about the last werewolf in Transylvania who flees to the USA and starts a brothel (or den) of lusty female werewolves, a beautiful “lost girl” who becomes a member of her “pack,” a charismatic Native American psychic investigating the gruesome “full moon murders” and … oops!, I don’t want to give away too much of the plot.

The movie will shoot in Hollywood and nearby Southern California areas.

Financial backers will receive credits or benefits (depending on amount pledged).

Kickstarter.com is "the world's largest funding platform for creative projects."

To see Glut's Kickstarter.com page with all the details, go here.

USA Today Article On Criterion's "Godzilla" Blu-ray

2012-01-23T08:20:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

USA Today is carrying an article on the upcoming Criterion Blu-ray edition of the original 1954 Godzilla and the 1956 Americanized Godzilla, King of The Monsters!

The article also includes interview comments by kaiju historians David Kalat and August Ragone.

The article starts with:

From terms like "Bridezilla" to films like Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster, the thought of Japan's most famous monster usually evokes a chuckle, not a roar.

But the roots of the Tokyo-stomping beast are dark and terrible. Long before its 27 sequels and endless spinoffs, the original 1954 film, called Gojira in Japan, was a fearful atomic fable from expert filmmakers, a metaphor for the bombing of Hiroshima that ended World War II just nine years earlier.

On Tuesday, the highbrow Criterion Collection, which usually traffics in the world of Hitchcock, Truffaut and Japan's Akira Kurosawa, will add digitally restored editions of Toho Studios' Gojira and the watered-down American version from 1956, Godzilla: King of the Monsters with Raymond Burr, to its prestigious DVD and Blu-ray catalog.

To read the full USA Today online article, go here.

Classic Tales Of Cryptozoology: Does The Creature Really Walk Among Us?

2012-01-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

For centuries people from all corners of the globe have claimed to have seen all kinds of creatures ranging from dinosaurs to werewolves and if you are inclined to believe so, a real life "Gill-Man".

Way back in the summer of 1972 two young men claimed that they were chased from the beach at Thetis Lake, British Columbia, Canada by the "Creature From The Black Lagoon" or at least something that looked very much like it.

Was it a case of mistaken identity or overactive imaginations run wild after an afternoon of watching monster movies?

At the time the local police believed the two youths and began a search for the monster. Four days later the story seemed to be validated when two fishermen spotted the monster on the opposite side of the lake. Of course the search didn't turn up any man-fish at the time yet reports of the aptly named "Thetis Lake Monster" continued on for two more decades.

Initially the reported sighting was blamed on an escaped pet Tegu lizard which can grow to the size of a small alligator. That explanation seemed to be enough for most people but some hardcore cryptid hunters believed the creature to be a relative of the legendary "Loveland Frog" (another reported man-fish) or just another of the numerous lizard-man sightings from across North America. As most monster historians (or uber geeks like me) know lizard-men are reported to live under the mountains and cities here in California and in the swamps of South Carolina most notably.

Is there a REAL "Gill-Man" in Thetis Lake?

Well .... probably not.

In 2009 a reporter for the "Junior Skeptic Magazine" (Daniel Loxton) tracked down one of the original witnesses named Russell Van Nice who finally fessed up to hoaxing the whole affair with his buddy Mike Gold to get a little attention. Van Nice also mentioned that their description of the creature had been taken from the film "Monster From The Surf" (Beach Girls and the Monster) which had aired the prior weekend on a local television station.

Funny that no one noticed that little tidbit at the time ... then again there were probably very few people over the age of ten watching Monster from the Surf that day? Of course I would have been one of those people ... and odds are you would have been too.

Well no need to go to Canada (eh) to look for lizard-men ... guess I'll just go back to searching the catacombs here under Los Angeles. Reportedly they got a city made of gold down there!

The Monstrous Movie Photo Of The Day: "The Beauty Who Designed The Beasts!"

2012-01-21T12:40:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Throughout the history of monster movies literally hundreds of beautiful young women have been carried off in the arms of an uncountable number of various creatures. What you may not know is that one such beauty actually was responsible for designing a few of these Hollywood Horrors.

Actress and artist Milicent Patrick (sometimes credited as Millicent Patrick) actually created several of the most notable and iconic monsters in history including the "Creature From The Black Lagoon", the alien xenomorph from "It Came From Outer Space" and the alien mutant from "This Island Earth." Patrick also penned an unknown amount of illustrations for Disney that included Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and the gang.

In 1954 Patrick was called in by Universal make-up artist Bud Westmore to design a half-man-half-amphibian monster for a little movie called "Creature From The Black Lagoon." Though Westmore was credited for the creation of the "Gill-Man" for decades it was actually Patrick who created the monster from scratch.

During the production of "Creature" Patrick was photographed extensively both behind the scenes and on the set for publicity purposes. Actually there seems to be as many pictures of the artist with the monster as there are of Julia Adams ... and she was actually the heroine.

Pairing Patrick with the Gill-Man made a lot of sense from a publicity stand point, after all the young woman was rather stunning and had all the curves in the right places.

Surprisingly she actually never appeared on screen in any of the three Creature films though she did land roles in several lesser known productions spanning from the late 1940s to the late 1960s.

Note: Observe the mask in the upper left portion of the photo ... is it me or does that look an awful lot like the Gorn mask from the "Star Trek" episode "Arena"?

Did Patrick design that monster too?

The Monstrous Movie Quote Of The Day: HAL 9000 (2001: A Space Odyssey 1968)

2012-01-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

- "I know I've made some very poor decisions recently, but I can give you my complete assurance that my work will be back to normal. I've still got the greatest enthusiasm and confidence in the mission. And I want to help you."

- HAL 9000 (Douglas Rain)(2001: A Space Odyssey)(1968)

Bonus:

- "Look Dave, I can see you're really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over."

The Monstrous Movie Quote Of The Day: Zaphod Beeblebrox (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 2005)

2012-01-20T20:55:00.000-08:00

- "Hey slim, are you wearing my underwear? 'Cause I'm wearing yours, and they're not doing the trick."

- Zaphod Beeblebrox (Sam Rockwell)(The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy )(2005)

Bonus:

"Yeah, Earth. I liked Earth. I got these boots on Earth ..."

"Hey! Is this guy boring you? Why don't you come talk to me instead? I'm from a different planet. Seriously! ... You want to see my spaceship?"

"I like those jammies."

Godzilla "Concept" Art: Nothing To See Here, Folks!

2012-01-19T00:10:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

These images purported to be "rejected concept designs" for the Legendary Pictures/Warner Bros. Godzilla are making the rounds over the Internet.

Sites such as Shock Till You Drop, Dread Central and others have posted articles proclaiming that these are "the real deal" and, also, citing G-Fan as the source.

From Dread Central:

The images popped up in the latest issue of G-Fan. It should be noted these concepts were rejected, but at least they offer insight into which direction they're looking to go. Thankfully it's the right one!

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending upon one's point-of-view), the images are fan-art drawings. They are not rejected concept drawings.

"Gamera The Brave" Blu-ray Coming On May 22

2012-01-17T16:45:00.000-08:00

Above, Gamera and Zedus locked in battle in Nagoya.

Media Blasters' Blu-ray edition of Gamera The Brave (2006) is set to hit shelves on May 22.

Above, "Gamera The Brave" Japanese poster.

Gamera The Brave is an entertaining movie targeted to the younger set, but it is "adult" enough so that it won't make adult viewers cringe.

For Media Blasters' website, go here.

The Monstrous Movie Clip Of The Day: James T. Kirk vs The Gorn

2012-01-15T09:40:00.000-08:00

For today's main event we have two titan's of interstellar combat!

In this corner, wearing a metallic tunic and utility belt, with slow reflexes, a bad temper and a speech impediment ... THE GORN!!!!

And in this corner, wearing a yellow Starfleet uniform and pants that are tighter than they should be, with an overactive libido, huge ego ... and a speech impediment ... Captain Kirk!!!!

This heavyweight bout to be decided by knock out, death, or makeshift cannon blast per Metron and Nevada Boxing Commission regulations.

One has a boulder the size of a VW Beetle and the other has a tree branch ...

LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!

The Monstrous Movie Photo Of The Day: "What's With The Funny Face Diana Prince?"

2012-01-15T09:16:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

"... or should I say Wonder Woman?"

Sometimes on set photographers catch actors in some rather candid moments between shots. With unlimited access these studio shutter-bugs were on hand to capture everything from the makeup room to the powder room. Many of these photos were used for publicity purposes while yet others were filed away rarely to be seen by the general public.

Today we have one such image of actress Lynda Carter on the set of the TV series "Wonder Woman". It is quite obvious the the actress has become bored with being chained to a wall.

A candid moment from one of televisions true beauties!

The Monstrous Movie Quote Of The Day: Urko (Planet of the Apes 1974)(TV)

2012-01-15T08:59:00.000-08:00

- "These humans are dangerous, don't you understand that? They think that they're as good as we are! "

- Urko (Mark Lenard)(Planet of the Apes)(TV)(1974)

Universal Centennial - Restoring the Classics - A Lifetime of Memories

2012-01-12T01:52:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Universal Pictures is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and to celebrate, they are doing some great things.

Here's what Universal Pictures posted:

Universal will mark its 100th anniversary in 2012, and will commemorate its centennial with a yearlong celebration honoring the studio's rich film history and cultural legacy. The campaign draws its inspiration from Universal's extraordinary and diverse library of films, many of which will be highlighted throughout the year, and is designed to engage fans of all ages in the art of moviemaking.

A significant element of the centennial includes the extensive restoration of 13 of the studio's most beloved titles such as To Kill a Mockingbird, All Quiet on the Western Front, Jaws, The Sting, Out of Africa, Frankenstein and Schindler's List.

Also included in the centennial restoration project is the 1931 Dracula starring Bela Lugosi and the 1931 Spanish version. Besides Frankenstein, Universal is restoring Bride of Frankenstein (1935) starring Boris Karloff.

Here is a 9-minute YouTube video Universal posted on the restoration:

THE BLUES BROTHERS - Do You Know?

2012-01-08T19:03:00.000-08:00

Trivia Compiled By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: IMDB / Wikipedia

Did You Know?

The Blues Brothers is a 1980 musical comedy film directed by John Landis and starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as "Joliet" Jake and Elwood Blues, characters developed from a musical sketch on the NBC variety series Saturday Night Live. It features musical numbers by R&B and soul singers James Brown, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and John Lee Hooker. The film is set in and around Chicago, Illinois, and also features non-musical supporting performances by John Candy, Carrie Fisher, Charles Napier, and Henry Gibson.

The story is a tale of redemption for paroled convict Jake (Belushi) and his brother Elwood (Aykroyd), who take on "a mission from God" to save from foreclosure the Catholic orphanage in which they grew up. To do so they must reunite their rhythm and blues band, The Blues Brothers, and organize a performance to earn $5,000 to pay the tax assessor. Along the way they are targeted by a destructive "mystery woman", Neo-Nazis, and a country and western band—all while being relentlessly pursued by the police.

The scene in which the band appears in a sauna, clad only in towels, is an allusion to the cover photo on the 1973 Blood Sweat & Tears music album "No Sweat", in which the BST band appears in a sauna in identical pose. Lou Marini and Tom Malone, two of the Blues Brothers Band members, were also in BST and appear in both sauna scenes.

Elwood removes his hat three times in the film: when going to sleep in his room, to break the window to get into the Palace Hotel, and towards the end of the movie when the Bluesmobile falls apart. His sunglasses are removed once in the scene where he quits his job at the Cheez Whiz factory "to become a priest." Jake removes his sunglasses once, when he is talking to Carrie Fisher, but never removes his hat. In the DVD and cable versions, Elwood doesn't wear sunglasses when he quits his job.

At the end, after the Universal Studios logo is shown, there is an ad for Universal Studios in Hollywood. Below "When in Hollywood, visit Universal Studios", it says "Ask For Babs". The same appeared in Animal House (Babs is the Animal House character Babs Jensen), and it reappeared in Blues Brothers 2000 underneath a new Universal Studios Hollywood logo at the end of that movie.

103 cars were wrecked during filming. At time of release, this was a world record, not beaten until 104 cars were wrecked in filming 'Blues Brothers 2000 (1998)'.

The infamous "Bluesmobile" is a 1974 Dodge Monaco. The vehicles used in the film were used police cars purchased from the California Highway Patrol (mocked up to look like Mt. Prospect, Illinois patrol cars), and featured the "cop tires, cop suspension and cop motor - a 440 cubic-inch plant" mentioned by Elwood in the film. A total of 12 Bluesmobiles were used in the movie, including one that was built just so it could fall apart. Several replicas have been built by collectors, but one original is known to exist, and is owned by the brother-in-law of Dan Aykroyd.

The receipt that is stamped by the tax assessor clerk (played by 'Stephen Spielberg'), is #6829, dated August 9, 1979, and correctly reflects that $5000 cash for St. Helen of the Blessed Shroud Orphanage was received from "Jake & Elwood Blues" with an address of 1060 West Addison, Chicago. The receipt is signed "R. J. Daley" - a reference to Mayor Richard J. Daley for which the plaza they drove through (with the Picasso sculpture) was named.

Producers rented the Dixie Square Mall in south suburban Harvey, Illinois for the mall chase scenes. The mall had been closed for over a year. (False) rumors began in the community that the mall was being refurbished and would be reopened after filming was complete. Universal was later sued for over $87,500 for failure to make good on a deal to "return the mall to its original condition" which was never agreed upon. After years of political wrangling, most of the mall remains; only the Montgomery Ward anchor store and mall power plant have been demolished.

During filming one of the night scenes, John Belushi disappeared and could not be located. Dan Aykroyd looked around and saw a single house with its lights on. He went to the house and was prepared to identify himself, the movie and that they were looking for John Belushi. But before he could, the homeowner looked at him, smiled and said, "You're here for John Belushi, aren't you?" The homeowner then told them Belushi had entered their house, asked if he could have a glass of milk and a sandwich and then crashed on their couch. Situations like this prompted Aykroyd to affectionately dub Belushi "America's Guest".

The car was really going 118 mph under the elevated train line in Chicago.

The characters, Jake and Elwood Blues, were created by Belushi and Aykroyd in performances on Saturday Night Live. The name "The Blues Brothers" was the idea of Howard Shore. The fictional back story and character sketches of blood brothers Jake and Elwood were developed by Aykroyd in collaboration with Ron Gwynne, who is credited as a story consultant for the film. As related in the liner notes of the band's debut album, Briefcase Full of Blues, the brothers grew up in an orphanage, learned the blues from a janitor named Curtis and sealed their brotherhood by cutting their middle fingers with a steel string said to have come from the guitar of Elmore James.

When it was decided the act could be made into a film by Universal Studios, Aykroyd set about writing the script. He had never written a screenplay before, he said in the 1998 documentary, Stories Behind the Making of The Blues Brothers, and he put together a very descriptive volume that explained the characters' origins and how the band members were recruited. It was 324 pages, which was three times longer than a standard screenplay. To soften the impact, Aykroyd made a joke of the thick script and had it bound with the cover of the Los Angeles Yellow Pages directory for when he turned it in to producer Robert K. Weiss. John Landis was given the task of editing the script into a usable screenplay.

The premise of the underlying plot, that a church-owned orphanage would have to pay a property tax bill, has been questioned—in Illinois, and generally elsewhere in the world, religious property is exempt from taxes. However, at the time of writing of the film, a legislative proposal to tax such property was under consideration. The proposal was never enacted into law.

And Now You Know!

The Monstrous Movie Clip Of The Day: General "Buck" Turgidson (Dr. Strangelove 1964)

2012-01-08T18:30:00.001-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Only a film maker like Stanley Kubrick could turn a subject like mutually assured nuclear destruction into one of the greatest black comedies of all-time called "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb". Okay maybe the idea of reducing the surface of the Earth to radioactive wasteland isn't all that funny but the cast of characters with their fingers on the shinny red button assembled by Kubrick are undoubtedly the greatest menagerie of kooks ever seen in any film.

The best performance in this sea of absolutely amazing performances (including Slim Pickens and Peter Sellers in multiple rolls) comes from none other than the normally very serious actor George C. Scott who plays the over-the-top American general "Buck" Turgisdon.

Imagine Scott as "Patton" ... okay now imagine Patton out out of his mind, horney and amped up on energy drinks and See's candy ... that's "Buck" Turgidson!

A little more info:

General Buck Turgidson is a rabid anti-communist American general that consults the President on how to deal with the crisis in Dr. Strangelove. It becomes rather apparent that Turgidson is not "all there" and more than a tad ignorant. Turgidson sees the escalating conflict leading to world destruction as a game and does not see the real impact of nuclear holocaust.

- IMDB

The Monstrous Movie Photo Of The Day: "May I Get Your Cloak Miss Altaira?"

2012-01-08T17:54:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Without a doubt Robbie the Robot is one of the most iconic figures in one of the most iconic films, "Forbidden Planet", of the post-war sci fi era. More people today may be familiar with R2D2 and C-3PO but to us classic sci fi movie nuts Robbie kicks em both to the curb.

No offense to you Mr. Lucas .... or any of your lawyer friends.

Anyway to publicise the release of "Forbidden Planet" MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) shot literally dozens of images with Robbie alongside the films stunning heroine Altaira played by the late Anne Francis.

What red-blooded male, or in this case, robot wouldn't want to help Anne with her garments?

The Monstrous Movie Quote Of The Day: Jim (Blazing Saddles 1974)

2012-01-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

"What did you expect? "Welcome, sonny"? "Make yourself at home"? "Marry my daughter"? You've got to remember that these are just simple farmers. These are people of the land. The common clay of the new West. You know... morons."

- Jim (Gene Wilder)(Blazing Saddles)(1974)

Bonus (because I'm in a good mood ... you lucky dogs!):

"Well, it got so that every piss-ant prairie punk who thought he could shoot a gun would ride into town to try out the Waco Kid. I must have killed more men than Cecil B. DeMille. It got pretty gritty. I started to hear the word "draw" in my sleep. Then one day, I was just walking down the street when I heard a voice behind me say, "Reach for it, mister!" I spun around... and there I was, face to face with a six-year old kid. Well, I just threw my guns down and walked away. Little bastard shot me in the ass. So I limped to the nearest saloon, crawled inside a whiskey bottle... and I've been there ever since. "

The Monstrous Movie Clip Of The Day: It's The Dance Craze Sweeping The Nation "The Lurch"

2012-01-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

"You Rang?"

Hey there hipsters it's another Saturday night and you know what that means! It's time to get down and party like it's ... um ... 1965?

Hmmm .... maybe not? Anyway I have dug up an incredibly strange clip from 1965 for you this evening that stars everyones favorite butler turned dancing queen, Lurch from The Addams Family.

Apparently somebody over in the publicity department at ABC (The network that aired The Addams Family television program) decided that the show needed to reach out to a younger crowd so on Halloween night in 1965 actor Ted Cassidy was marched out onto the floor of the ultra-mod music program "Shindig!" to perform a new dance called "The Lurch". What would follow could be described as "surreal", "unsettling" and just plain strange.

Give this a look:

The Lurch (So you can sing along at home)

Lurch: (Gong) You Rang?
Singers: Hi, Lurch!
Lurch: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Singers: Hey, Lurch, we just heard the news around town
Lurch: Newwwwwwwws?
Singers: And we’re here to see what you’re putting down
Lurch: Ahhhhhhhhh ha-ha-ha!
Singers: We thought you might give us a chance
And teach us how to do the Lurch daaaance annnn-ance
Lurch: My pleasure
Singers: Hey, Lurch, teach us how to do the Lurch dance
Lurch: Your servant
Singers: Yeah, Lurch, we wanna learn to do the Lurch dance
Lurch: ……….Follow me
Lurch: Yah ah ah ah ahhh -ah ah ah ahh. It’s a brand new bag! Yeah!
Lurch: Yah ah ah ah. Don’t just stand there! Lurch!
Lurch: Ah ah aha. Good. Now you got it!
Singers: Hey, Lurch, thanks a lot for turning us on!
Lurch: You’re welcome!
Singers: To a dance that we can do to any song.
Lurch: Any time!
Singers: Now everybody, c’mon and do it
It’s easy and there's really nothing to it! oooooh
Lurch: Ah ah ah ah
Singers: Hey, Lurch, we’re really glad we learned to Lurch.
Lurch: To know it is to love it!
Singers: Hmm hmmm, we’re really glad we learned to Lurch.
Do the Lurch!
Lurch: Satisfaction, jubilation!
Singers: Hmm hmmm, we’re really glad we learned to Lurch.
Do the Lurch!

The fact that Cassidy just stands there throughout most the song leering at the young ladies dancing around him really kinda creeps me out and the dubbed in mumbled voice over lyrics by the actor doesn't help. Then again the way he starts dancing (if you can call it that) during the chorus is sorta cool ... in strange sort of way.

Singers: Hey, Lurch, thanks a lot for turning us on!
Lurch: You’re welcome!

Anyway you slice it the whole thing is just weird.

Of course an album was released by Capitol Records so little monsters and hipsters alike could "Lurch" around their far-out pads on their own time.

Unfortunately for ABC "The Lurch" never quite caught on like the "Mashed Potato" or "The Twist".

Damn, Chubby Checker milked that thing for decades didn't he!

If you can't get enough of Lurch strutting his stuff on the dance floor ... and who really could honestly? Check out this bonus clip from The Addams Family television program:

Here's some trivia from Wikipedia:

Lurch makes a momentary appearance in the Batman TV episode entitled "The Penguin's Nest" (1966), when he opens a window and sticks his head out and observes Batman and Robin climbing the wall to the Penguin's kitchen.

The James Bond Films: 50th Anniversary

2012-01-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

There's one thing that movie fans or, specifically, James Bond fans, can look forward to this year is the 50th anniversary of Eon Productions' James Bond franchise.

Above, Ursula Andress.

It was in 1962 that the franchise was launched by the first movie based on Ian Fleming's British Secret Service agent 007, Doctor No. The film was produced by Harry Saltzman and Albert R. Broccoli. That movie made Sean Connery an international star and it featured Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder, Jack Lord as CIA agent (and Bond pal) Felix Leiter, Joseph Wiseman as Doctor No, Bernard Lee as "M" and Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny. Desmond Llewelyn did not join the regulars as "Q" until the next movie, From Russia With Love.

Doctor No introduced the iconic "James Bond Theme" and the Maurice Binder "gun barrel" Bond opening sequence. It had a budget of one million dollars (low-budget by today's standards) and was released on October 5, 1962.

It will be fun to see what may be in store this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the James Bond films.

Left, Sean Connery in his first James Bond outing.

The Monstrous Movie Clip Of The Day: 2001: A Space Odyssey [HD] Docking Sequence

2012-01-06T14:42:00.001-08:00

Source: Youtube

Without a doubt one of the most spectacular scenes from any science fiction film! In this sequence from "2001: A Space Odyssey" Film maker Stanley Kubrick combines the elegance of The Blue Danube waltz by Johann Strauss II with the work of an amazing special effects team that comprised NASA, science advisor Fred Ordway, production designer Harry Lange, and model maker Anthony Masters under the direction of Douglas Trumbull.

- Ken Hulsey

Quickly:

2001: A Space Odyssey is a 1968 epic science fiction film produced and directed by Stanley Kubrick, and co-written by Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke, partially inspired by Clarke's short story The Sentinel. The story deals with a series of encounters between humans and mysterious black monoliths that are apparently affecting human destiny, and a space voyage to Jupiter tracing a signal emitted by one such monolith found on the moon. Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood star as the two astronauts on this voyage, with Douglas Rain as the voice of the sentient computer HAL who "seems human" and has full control over their spaceship.

The Blue Danube is the common English title of An der schönen blauen Donau, Op. 314 (German for On the Beautiful Blue Danube), a waltz by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II, composed in 1866. Originally performed 13 February 1867 at a concert of the Wiener Männergesangsverein (Vienna Men's Choral Association), it has been one of the most consistently popular pieces of music in the classical repertoire. Its initial performance was only a mild success however and Strauss is reputed to have said "The devil take the waltz, my only regret is for the coda—I wish that had been a success!"

Stanley Kubrick (July 26, 1928 – March 7, 1999) was an American film director, writer, producer, and photographer, who lived in England during most of the last four decades of his career. Kubrick was noted for the scrupulous care with which he chose his subjects, a slow method of working, the variety of genres he worked in, technical perfectionism, reluctance to talk about his films, and reclusiveness. He maintained almost complete artistic control, but with the rare advantage of big-studio financial support for all his endeavors.

- Wikipedia

The Monstrous Movie Photo Of The Day: Zira In The Twilight Zone ... Or Is It Rod Serling On The Planet of the Apes?

2012-01-06T09:59:00.001-08:00

Actress Kim Hunter and writer Rod Serling on the set of Planet of the Apes. Many people don't know the Serling wrote the original screenplay for "Apes". Although Michael Wilson was brought in to rewrite the story which was based on Pierre Boulle's original novel the finished product still had "Serling" written all over it. The film's "Twilight Zone- esque" twists, especially the ending, are a tell-tale sign of this.

"Maybe the Law Giver here has some ideas for some episodes of 'Night Gallery' ... I'm all tapped out!"

The Monstrous Movie Quote Of The Day: George Taylor (Planet of the Apes 1968)

2012-01-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

"Imagine me needing someone. Back on Earth I never did. Oh, there were women. Lots of women. Lots of love-making but no love. You see, that was the kind of world we'd made. So I left, because there was no one to hold me there."

- George Taylor (Charlton Heston)(Planet of the Apes)(1968)

Kim Novak Talks About Vertigo

2012-01-03T21:20:00.001-08:00

Intro And Quotes Compiled By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Labyrinth.net

While searching online tonight for information on one of my favorite movies "Vertigo" I ran across this great 2003 interview with actress Kim Novak. In this interview the actress shared some rather intimate details about the production and her relationship with director Alfred Hitchcock and fellow actor James Stewart. Novak also revealed that while playing the part of Judy Barton she opted to go without a bra.

Told ya it was an intimate interview!

Here are some excerpts that I thought the readers of Monster Island News would enjoy!

"The script was always the most important thing to me and I loved the script. For one thing, I’ve always admired trees. I just worship them. Think what trees have witnessed, what history, such as living through the Civil War, yet they still survive. I’ve always felt that part of why they survive is because they don’t try to intercede, to advise ‘No, that’s the wrong way,’ or to try and wipe out an army. They stood and observed. When I read that part of the Hitchcock script where Madeleine and Scottie are among the redwoods, she touches the tree rings and says, “Here I was born and here I died. It was only a moment. You took no notice,’ I got goose-bumps. When it came to shoot that scene, I had goose-bumps. Just touching that old tree was truly moving to me because when you touch these trees, you have such a sense of the passage of time, of history. It’s like you’re touching the essence, the very substance of life. I remember taking my father to see the redwood forest once. He wept and so did I. He ‘got’ it in the same way as I do. We never talked about it. That scene in Vertigo I felt more than any other, except the one in which Judy says to Jimmy’s character that if she lets him change her, will he love her? And she says she’ll do it, she doesn’t care any more about herself. That scene was so important to me. I was so naked there, so willing to be anything he wanted, just to be loved."

(On Hitchcock)

"Technical points were his main thing. He’d always look through the lens to watch your performance, unlike directors who sit off to the side. You’d never have a sense looking at his face how he thought it was going. He was the camera and I always felt comfortable with the camera. It was always difficult to have a director off to the side. Why I loved working with Hitchcock was that he allowed me that creativity and input. I always painted when I’d go home from a day on the sets of my movies. I love to paint but, back then, I was largely painting out of frustration. I don’t think I painted at all while I worked on Vertigo. I didn’t have the need to. I was so into doing what I was doing and I felt good about what I was doing. No one was telling me, ‘Do it this way.’ Hitchcock wouldn’t tell me how to think. Bad directors love to tell you how to think. I mean, why do they hire you? Today, they could just computerize you."

"I was always opinionated. Once we were making Vertigo, Hitchcock never questioned anything about what I was doing character-wise. Before shooting started, he sent me over to Edith Head, who showed me a set of drawings. When I saw them, the very first thing I said was, ‘I’m sorry. I don’t wear black shoes.’ When she said, ‘Alfred Hitchcock wants you to wear these shoes,’ I said, ‘I’m sure he doesn’t mind.’ I didn’t think it would matter to him what kind of shoes I wore. I had never had a director who was particular about the costumes, the way they were designed, the specific colors. The two things he wanted the most were those shoes and that gray suit. When Edith Head showed me that gray suit, I said, “Oh, my god, that looks like it would be very hard to act in. It’s very confining.’ Then, when we had the first fitting of the dress, it was even worse and I said, ‘This is so restrictive.’ She said, ‘Well, maybe you’d better talk to Alfred Hitchcock about this.’"

"I went in and he said, ‘I understand you don’t like these black shoes.’ He asked me why and I said, ‘I tell you, black shoes always sort of make me feel I’m pulled down. I’ve always felt that your feet should be the same as the top of your head, so that you’re connected. Wearing the black shoes would make me feel as if I were disconnected.’ He heard me out. And then he said, ‘Fine. When you play the role of Judy, you will not have to wear black shoes. When you are playing Madeleine, you will wear them.’ When he put it like that -- after all, he’s the director – I said, ‘OK.’"

"I really wanted the chance to express myself and he allowed me that chance. It felt OK because he had heard me out. He felt my reasons weren’t good enough, they weren’t right. I just wanted to be heard as far as what I felt. So, I thought, ‘I’ll live with the grey suit.’ I also thought, ‘I’m going to use this. I can make this work for me. Because it bothers me, I’ll use it and it can help me feel like I’m having to be Madeleine, that I’m being forced to be her. I’ll have it as my energy to play against.’ It worked. That suit and those shoes were a blessing. I was constantly reminded that I was not being myself, which made it right for Madeleine. When I went out of Alfred Hitchcock’s office, I remember his wonderful smile when he said, ‘I’m so glad we had this talk.’ I think he saw that this was going to be good. He didn’t say to me, ‘Now use that,’ he allowed me to arrive at that myself."

(On Going Commando)

"That’s right, when I played Judy, I never wore a bra. It killed me having to wear a bra as Madeleine but you had to because they had built the suit so that you had to stand very erect or you suddenly were not ‘in position.’ They made that suit very stiff. You constantly had to hold your shoulders back and stand erect. But, oh that was so perfect. That suit helped me find the tools for playing the role. It was wonderful for Judy because then I got to be without a bra and felt so good again. I just felt natural. I had on my own beige shoes and that felt good. Hitchcock said, ‘Does that feel better?’ I said, ‘Oh, yes, thank you so much.’ But then, I had to play ‘Madeleine’ again when Judy had to be made over again by Scottie into what she didn’t want to be. I could use that, again, totally for me, not just being made over into Madeleine but into Madeleine who wore that ghastly gray suit. The clothes alone were so perfect, they were everything I could want as an actress."

(On working with James Stewart on Vertigo and Bell, Book and Candle)

"It seems to me that when Jimmy and I were making that movie (Bell, Book and Candle), Vertigo hadn’t been released yet. I don’t remember talking with Jimmy about Vertigo. We were just on to the next movie. We had such a wonderful time making Bell, Book and Candle and just got closer as people. We had a wonderful friendship. The director would yell ‘Cut,’ the scene would be over, they’d throw on the lights and we’d still be sitting there. We wouldn’t even say anything to each other. We’d just be there with our feet resting on an end table and communicating silently, comfortable in each other’s presence without feeling we were in the midst of Hollywood. I always felt Jimmy was trapped in Hollywood. He felt it himself. He loved aviation so much and he wanted to be able to do more of that. He somehow just got stuck here. I’ve never met two people who were less ‘Hollywood’ than Jimmy Stewart and Fred Astaire, with whom I made The Notorious Landlady (1962). They didn’t belong here but their lives were here. They couldn’t break away from it, for some reason. I just had to break away."

Read the complete interview - HERE

The Monstrous Movie Quote Of The Day: Judy And Scottie (Vertigo 1958)

2012-01-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

Judy: "Couldn't you like me, just me the way I am? When we first started out, it was so good; w-we had fun. And... and then you started in on the clothes. Well, I'll wear the darn clothes if you want me to, if, if you'll just, just like me."

Scottie: "The color of your hair..."

Judy: "Oh, no!"

Scottie: "Judy, please, it can't matter to you."

- Judy Barton (Kim Novak), John 'Scottie' Ferguson (James Stewart)/ Vertigo (1958)(Paramount Pictures)

Catching Up With The Indie Monster Movie Scene - Manos-A-Manos, A Monster Musical, A Woman And Her Sword Plus Other Goodies!

2012-01-01T19:28:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Avery Guerra, Various

I know that I am interrupting your Twilight Zone viewing but I have had quite a few things creating a log-jam in my email so I figured it was time to clear things out.

So pay attention for a minute ... then you can return to "Talking Tina".

Everyone knows that diamonds are not a girls best friend ... it's a sword. Well at least that is the case for lovely actress Tara Cardinal who repeatedly jumps at any chance to play a swordswoman (?) in films.

Yes gentleman Tara is a beauty ... a beauty that can kick the crap out of you without even breaking a nail.

Do you think that's hot? Well check out this vid that Tara shared with the members of the Monster Island News: Sci Fi, Fantasy, Horror, & B Movie Junkies group on Facebook. If this doesn't bring back memories of Xena Warrior Princess nothing will!

HUHU Attack

Does anyone remember that awful Creature From The Black Lagoon musical that thankfully was yanked from the stage at Universal Studios? Well if you don't count your blessings!

Well apparently a film maker named Patrick Gillies in New Zealand has decided that music and monsters do mix in his new film HUHU Attack. Yes, ladies and gentlemen a giant monster musical ... kinda like Tremors meets Guys and Dolls. There's singing, dancing, and giant grubs that break loose and start eating people. Holy Crap! Finally a monster movie you can take your wife or girlfriend to! This ones got a little something for everyone!

Here's your plot:

In Cold War-era rural New Zealand, two social misfits – a mousy spinster and a traveling magician – find love against a backdrop of small-town prejudice and 40ft-high mutant man-eating Huhu grubs!

Rural New Zealand, 31st October 1957. A Sputnik satellite crashes into the edge of a forest, irradiating the nearby flora and fauna. When the Army is called in to investigate, their soldiers are inexplicably attacked by a 40ft-high mutant Huhu grub. At the nearest township, two-bit traveling magician, Miles, falls for the charms of his mousy volunteer, Ngaire, whilst putting on a Halloween magic show for the locals. Their blossoming romance is interrupted when the giant Huhu grubs invade, decimating the townsfolk. Knocked unconscious, Miles awakes to find Ngaire nursing him back to health in a makeshift infirmary. Citing Miles’ knowledge of pyrotechnics, she pleads her reluctant hero to lead the surviving townsfolk in their fight against the man-eating huhu grubs. However, her faith in him is shattered when local agitator, Derek, arrives with soldiers to accuse Miles of being a Soviet spy, directly responsible for the Huhu grub menace. Armed with supposed proof of his Eastern Bloc origins, the soldiers proceed with their intention to execute Miles. After an impassioned and heart-wrenching plea of innocence, Miles is released and the united community rejoices in its new-found tolerance and enlightenment… but not for long!

Do you need to know any more?

Well here's the trailer:

Still need more? Well Undead Backbrain has the info - HERE

El Monstro Del Mar

Last summer I posted the trailer for a little flick from Australia called El Monstro Del Mar, well now that film is about to reach these shores (The US of A) via a DVD release from Breaking Glass Pictures on its Vicious Circle label on February 28th.

Your plot:

Three gorgeous but deadly hired killers, Beretta, Blondie and Snowball, hole up in a small beach-side community to keep a low profile. But this town has a dark secret. The local old sea baron, Joseph, tries desperately to warn the out-of-towners to never go into the water. But these crazy vixens listen to no one, so the Kraken awakes! Now, along with Joseph and his beautiful granddaughter, Hannah, they must fight for their lives against this furious creature of the deep as the sea rises in a tidal wave of blood.

More on this at Fangoria - HERE

MANOS: The Search For Valley Lodge

Unless you are a big fan of Elvira or Mystery Science Theater 3000 than you probably have never heard of MANOS: The Hands Of Fate ... which if you haven't is a good thing ... a very good thing!

MANOS is a terrible movie in ways beyond all manner of comprehension. The script is terrible, the music is terrible, the acting ... is terrible. This film is so off the grid that it actually stared an actor (if you can call him that) who was loaded out of his mind on drugs causing him to stumble around and mumble incoherently.

Now you really have to ask yourself who in the world would want to produce a sequel to such a film?

Rupert Talbot Munch Sr. that's who!

Back in 2008 Munch dressed like the afore mentioned stoned out of his mind character Torgo for Comic Con and based on the responses he got from fans decided that MANOS needed another chapter.

And you thought two Plan 9 remakes were questionable decisions!

Again Fangoria has the scoop - HERE

The Awakened

Don't you hate when your working your field and you discover a buried UFO where you were planning to plant onions? Then to make things worse the alien occupants of the craft come out of stasis to turn your farm into some sort war zone with the bloodshed, laser guns and the probing?

Well it's not exactly Green Acres in High Voltage Productions The Awakening where the above mentioned scenario plays itself out.

Actually this one has a rather noteworthy cast which includes Star Trek: Voyager alum Robert Picardo plus Matt Corrigan, Richard Gross and Kara Hamilton.

The film was originally slated to come out way back in 2009 ... but well you know ... these things take time.

Here is your trailer:

Hey, and the sequel is already in the works!

Want more? Well HERE ya go!

Welcome to 2012 monster maniacs!

A Gallery Of Great Monster Movie Posters - 50 In 11 Edition

2011-12-31T07:38:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Movie Info From Wikipedia

Well 2012 is upon us and I think that before we all get too drunk tonight to remember any of this we should take a look back at some of the films that reached the half-century mark this year.

That's the big 5-0 people! Some real classics .... and some that are not so classic movies celebrated their fiftieth birthday in 2011.

If you have been keeping track then you know that this is the seventh article in this series and hence forth I have seven posters for you today.

First up!

Gorgo

Many people consider Gorgo to be nothing more than a UK Godzilla rip-off but I'm not one of them. The story is good, good enough to serve as the inspiration for both Steven Spielberg's "The Lost World" and the Japanese monster mash "Gappa", and the effects are rather impressive. A better than average monster on the loose flick without a doubt.

Gorgo is a 1961 British Giant monster movie. Directed by Eugène Lourié, it tells the story of an underwater monster's capture off the coast of Ireland. The monster is taken to London to be featured as a circus attraction. The film borrows elements from other monster movies, such as Godzilla and King Kong.

The story is simple folks, baby Gorgo joins the circus without telling his parents, then Mom comes looking for him and reduces London to toothpicks.

The Curse of the Werewolf

Hammer films in the UK loved to try and redo all the classic monster films that Universal produced back in the 30s and 40s and for the most part they did a pretty good job.

The Curse of the Werewolf (1961) is a British film based on the novel The Werewolf of Paris by Guy Endore. The film was made by the British film studio Hammer Film Productions and was shot at Bray Studios.

The story is set in 18th Century Spain. A beggar is imprisoned by a cruel marques after making inappropriate comments at the nobleman's wedding. The beggar is forgotten but manages to survive another fifteen years. His only human contact is with the jailer and his beautiful mute daughter (Yvonne Romain). The aging, decrepit Marques makes advances on the jailer's daughter when she is cleaning his room. When she refuses him, the Marques has her thrown into the dungeon with the beggar. The beggar, driven mad by his long confinement, rapes her and then dies.

The girl is released the next day and sent back up to "entertain" the Marques. Instead she kills the old man and flees. She is found in the forest by the kindly gentleman-scholar Don Alfredo Corledo (Clifford Evans) who lives alone with his housekeeper, Teresa (Hira Talfrey). The warm and motherly Teresa soon nurses the girl back to health, but she dies after giving birth to a baby on Christmas day (a fact that Teresa considers "unlucky.")

Alfredo and Teresa raise the young boy, whom they name Leon. Leon is cursed both by the evil circumstances of his birth and by being born on Christmas Day. An early accident gives him a taste for blood which he must struggle to overcome.

Leon grows into a young man (Oliver Reed) and leaves home to seek work at the Gomez vineyard. Don Fernando (Ewen Solon) sets Leon to work in the wine cellar with Jose Amadayo (Martin Matthews) with whom he quickly forms a friendship. Leon soon falls in love with Fernando's daughter, Cristina (Catherine Feller), but when his love is thwarted he grows increasingly violent. His wolf nature rising to the surface, he snarls and drools his way through the village by the light of the full moon. Shocked and disgusted by his antics, the local people summon his scholarly step-father, who has been preparing himself for years to face this moment. Though torn with grief, the wise Alfredo shoots Leon dead and covers his body with a cloak.

Mothra

Who says that there is no equal rights in Monsterland? Mothra is all woman ... and a single mom to boot! This lady isn't a slave to a kitchen and repeatedly stood up to the overly macho Godzilla ... and kicked his butt!

Mothra is a 1961 Kaiju film from Toho Studios, directed by genre regular Ishirō Honda with special effects by Eiji Tsuburaya. It is the kaiju eiga debut of screenwriter Shinichi Sekizawa, whose approach to the genre grew to prominence during the 1960s. The film stars Frankie Sakai, a popular comedian in Japan at the time, and Hiroshi Koizumi, in the first of many academic roles he would adopt in tokusatsu. Jerry Ito (transliterated as "Jelly Ito" in the credits of the U.S. release) stars in the film, his only contribution to Toho's kaiju eiga genre. Ito also appeared in 1958's Japanese/US co-production "The Manster" (a.k.a. "The Split"), and in Toho's 1961 end-of-the-world science fiction feature "Sekai Daisensou" ("The Last War").

It's basic plot was recycled in King Kong vs. Godzilla and Mothra vs. Godzilla (1962 and 1964, both also written by Sekizawa), and the daikaiju Mothra would become one of Toho's most popular, appearing in seven more Godzilla films and her own trilogy in the 1990s.

Mysterious Island

Don't we all wish that we could escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and retire on some tropical island paradise with giant chickens, crabs and bees? I know I do!

"Ahh this is the life ... oh hold on a sec. I gotta get my spear and kill me a twenty-foot crap for supper."

Mysterious Island (UK: Jules Verne's Mysterious Island) is a 1961 film released by Morningside Productions. Based very loosely upon the novel The Mysterious Island (L'Île mystérieuse) by Jules Verne, the film was produced by Charles H. Schneer and Ray Harryhausen. Directed by Cy Endfield, it was released through Columbia Pictures. The motion picture was filmed at Shepperton Studios, Shepperton, England as a showcase for Harryhausen's stop-motion animation effects. Like several of Harryhausen's classic productions, the musical score was composed by Bernard Herrmann.

The film centers around Union soldiers escaping in a gas balloon from a Confederate prison camp during the American Civil War. They end up crashing in the ocean, only to find themselves washed up on an unknown island where gigantic animals abound. It would later be revealed that the animals were the result of experiments by the presumed-dead Captain Nemo. He has been an unknown benefactor to the castaways as they struggled to survive on the island. The island's volcano threatens to erupt. After a skirmish with pirates, the stranded group manages to escape from the island on the pirates' ship as the volcano destroys the island.

The highlights of the film were Ray Harryhausen's animation sequences. The different animated "monsters" that the castaways encountered included a giant crab, a giant flightless bird (a prehistoric species called a Phorusrhacos), giant bees and a giant cephalopod resembling a prehistoric ammonite.

Reptilicus

One of my all-time favorite monster movie posters!

The movie itself? .... well .... um ....

Reptilicus, a giant monster film about a fictional prehistoric reptile, is a Danish-American co-production, produced by American International Pictures and Saga Studios, and is upon close examination two distinctly different films helmed by two different directors.

The original version, which was shot in Danish was directed by Danish director Poul Bang and released in Denmark on February 25, 1961.

The American version, which was in English with a nearly identical cast, was directed by the film's American producer-director Sidney W. Pink; this version was initially deemed virtually unreleasable by American International Pictures and had to be extensively reworked by the film's Danish-American screenwriter, Ib Melchior, before being finally released in America in 1962.

Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea

When the chips are down and the world is in eminent doom it's the crew of the ultra-cool submarine USOS Seaview to the rescue!

A fun film that features the smoking hot Barbara Eden.

Yes I used to dream of Jeannie so what of it?

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea is an American science fiction film, produced and directed by Irwin Allen, released by 20th Century Fox in 1961. The story was written by Irwin Allen and Charles Bennett. Walter Pidgeon starred as Admiral Harriman Nelson, with Robert Sterling as Captain Lee Crane. The supporting cast included Joan Fontaine, Barbara Eden, Michael Ansara, and Peter Lorre. The theme song was sung by Frankie Avalon, who also appeared in the film.

Hey Barbara Eden was hot back in the day! Did you know that she once had to hide in a broom closet to get away from Desi Arnaz.

True story.

Konga

King Kong? ... Not quite!

Monster movie adds from around the globe almost always used Kong as a selling point. With any gorilla picture this was a natural fit but in places like Germany especially any monster be it bug or reptile was called "Kong" or "Frankenstein". Look at some old German Godzilla posters sometime. "Godzilla vs MechaGodzilla" is titled "King Kong vs Frankenstein" honest injun.

As you can tell there were a lot of notable British monster movies produced in 1961. On one end of the spectrum you have Gorgo and on the other lies Konga. If only there was a third of the mayhem and carnage displayed in this poster then the film may have turned out better ... I'm just saying.

Konga is a 1961 British science fiction film directed by John Lemont and starring Michael Gough, Margo Johns and Austin Trevor. It was distributed in the United States by American International Pictures.

The film was the basis for a comic-book series published by Charlton Comics in the 1960s.

British botanist Charles Decker goes insane after he discovers a serum that turns his chimpanzee subject Konga into a ferocious gorilla-sized ape. To further his hideous experiments, Decker mesmerizes the chimp and sends it to London to kill all his former enemies. Among his targets is Bob Kenton, the lover of Sandra Banks, the woman the doctor wants for himself. After Konga strangles Bob to death, Decker attempts to make Sandra his own. This doesn't sit well with Margaret, the botanist's assistant and current girlfriend, who attempts to get even by giving Konga an enormous amount of the strange serum and turns him into a enormous monster, though she becomes his first victim. Just before going on a rampage, the super-sized ape grabs Decker in one of his enormous hands, while Sandra is eaten by Decker's carnivorous plants. His rampage comes to a stop when he and Decker are killed by the British army. Upon his death, he reverts back to a chimpanzee.

Nuff said there.

Other notable films that turned 50 in 2011:

The Pit and the Pendulum
The Beast of Yucca Flats
Nude on the Moon
The Day the Earth Caught Fire
Master of the World
The Phantom Planet
Creature from the Haunted Sea
Werewolf in a Girls Dormitory
Invasion of the Neptune Men

Merry New Year!

"The Man From Planet X" At 60

2011-12-28T14:42:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Without much (if any) fanfare, 2011 marked 60 years since The Man From Planet X was released.

The movie was directed by Edgar G. Ulmer (who directed the Karloff/Lugosi classic The Black Cat) at the old Hal Roach Studios in Culver City, California. The principal players were Robert Clarke, Margaret Field and William Schallert.

The Man From Planet X was released on March 9, 1951 in San Francisco. Its general release came on April 27, 1951.

William Schallert (right) plays the unscrupulous and ambitious scientist Dr. Mears in the movie.

The story involves an alien scout from the dying Planet X who lands in a Scottish moor. He was sent there to set up a wireless relay station in advance of an invasion from Planet X.

Below, William Schallert has a reunion with his "The Man From Planet X" co-star at the 2010 Monsterpalooza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Man From Planet X is an effective little movie, considering its budget reportedly was $50,000.

SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS - Did You Know?

2011-12-24T09:48:00.000-08:00

Trivia Compiled By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: IMDB / Wikipedia

Okay I know it's Christmas time and all of you have food to stuff down and presents to unwrap and I do to. I figured that many of you may want to escape from your family for a few minutes and read Monster Island News so I cleared a few minutes from my busy day to put something together for you, after all this is the season for giving isn't it.

So Merry Christmas!

Throughout the history of cinema there have been some truly special and memorable Christmas themed movies ... this isn't one of those. Indeed "Santa Claus Conquers The Martians" belongs on the bottom of the list of truly horrible Christmas movies of which there is as many as there are great ones.

Though the film has earned a well deserved cult status, which it has achieved by being truly terrible, there are some things you may not know about this ... um... family favorite (?).

Did You Know?

The Martian guns are actually painted Whammo Air Blasters.

This was Pia Zadora's debut.

Wait a second!

This is Pia Zadora!

(Pia Zadora (born May 4, 1954) is an American actress and singer. After working as a child actress on Broadway, in regional theater, and in the film Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964), she came to national attention in 1981 when, following her starring role in the highly criticized Butterfly, she won a Golden Globe Award as New Star of the Year.

When her film career failed to take off, she became a singer of popular standards and made several successful albums backed by a symphonic orchestra; as a singer she earned a measure of respect from critics who had previously written her off as an actress.)

Note: I was tempted to post a rather naughty picture of Pia but it's Christmas. Go look for that one on your own time!

Okay now I'll continue ...

The Air Force stock footage seen as the military "pursues" the Martians is the same footage used in the opening credit sequence of Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.

Most of the film was shot in an abandoned aircraft hangar on Long Island, New York.

This film is listed among The 100 Most Amusingly Bad Movies Ever Made in Golden Raspberry Award founder John Wilson's book THE OFFICIAL RAZZIE® MOVIE GUIDE.

One of the films included in "The Fifty Worst Films of All Time (and how they got that way)" by Harry Medved and Randy Lowell.

When Santa starts making toys, one of the Martians is fascinated by a toy that's "a coiled spring that walks down stairs." The year this film was released (1964) was a huge year for Slinky, which had a resurgence in the early 1960s.

Most of the cast came from Broadway shows of the time.

It has been named one of the worst films ever. A remake has been rumored since 2000 with David Zucker as producer and Jim Carrey attached to play Dropo, though it is currently believed to be in development hell.

The movie spawned a tongue-in-cheek novelization by Lou Harry, released by Penguin Books/Chamberlain Bros. in 2005. The book, which includes a DVD of the original film, presents the story from the perspective of a now-adult Girmar, who has not only succeeded her father as ruler of Mars, but also narrates the tale in a 'valley girl'-esque type of language.

In 1993 a theatrical production of Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, the Musical premiered at the Factory Theatre in Chicago, adapted and directed by Sean Abley. In 2006 a second theatrical production premiered at the Maverick Theater in Fullerton, California, this version was adapted by Brian Newell and Nick McGee. The Maverick's production has become a comedic success, a local tradition and performed every holiday season there since 2006, with the next production to be performed in December 2010.

Brazilian comedy group Hermes & Renato spoofed the film in their MTV program Tela Class, redubbing it as "Santa Claus e o pozinho mágico" (Santa Claus and the Magic Powder; "magic powder" being more loosely translated here as "angel dust"). In this version, Santa is a drug dealer.

Though the KIDTV reporter is introduced by the Anchorman as "Andy Henderson", Santa refers to him as "Andy Anderson".

One of the newspaper headlines after the abduction sequence says that Santa has been "Kidnaped".

When Stobo looks in on the toy fight, the popping sounds and flying projectiles suddenly cease (film was stopped to put the ball in his mouth).

In the Polar Bear sequence where the costume is clearly a bear-rug draped over someone's body the back legs are the same way a man's are when crawling with his knees on the ground and shins to feet level with the floor.

Now You Know!

A Gallery Of Great Monster Movie Posters - Seks Edition

2011-12-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Movie Info From Wikipedia

You wouldn't believe the amount of positive feedback I have received since I started this series of features on classic movie posters last summer. Everyone seems to be in love with the articles so I have no intention of stopping them any time in the future.

You seem to love them and I love doing them so there you go.

Today I'm featuring six, because this is the sixth installment, posters from six of my favorite all-time movies. Why am I being so selfish this close to Christmas when everyone should be in a giving mood? Well, Friday is my birthday (thank you) so I'm going to make this one about me. I think I deserve it.

No, I'm not going to tell you how old I am. You don't need to know that. I'm old ... okay ... not prehistoric but not a young man anymore either...and don't say six because that's today's theme number. Granted sometimes my maturity level is that of a six-year-old but I am working on that.

Anyway enough about me, on with the show!

Verigo (Above)

Maybe not a monster or scifi movie but one of my favorites, if not my favorite, movies of all-time. Hitchcock was in love with San Francisco and quite honestly so am I. Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite actors and Kim Novak is as an amazing an actress as she is stunning to look at.

To be very honest I'm not a big fan of the movie posters produced for this movie but this Japanese one is very cool and probably the best ever produced for this film!

Vertigo is a 1958 psychological thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Barbara Bel Geddes. The screenplay was written by Alec Coppel and Samuel A. Taylor, based on the 1954 novel D'entre les morts by Boileau-Narcejac.

It is the story of a retired police detective suffering from acrophobia who is hired as a private investigator to follow the wife of an acquaintance to uncover the mystery of her peculiar behavior.

The Land That Time Forgot

I am a child of the seventies and dinosaurs were huge during that decade. The Land That Time Forgot was easily the best of the dinosaur related movies produced during that time period. I can watch this one over and over.

The poster is just amazing, dinosaurs, a German U-boat, a volcano, great stuff!

I have always wondered why they put a T-Rex underwater for this add? Didn't we learn from "Land of the Lost" that they hated water? Grumpy never swam!

The Land That Time Forgot is a 1975 fantasy/adventure film based upon the 1924 novel The Land That Time Forgot by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The screenplay was written by Michael Moorcock. The film was produced by Britain's Amicus Productions and directed by Kevin Connor. The cast included Doug McClure, John McEnery, Keith Barron, Susan Penhaligon, Anthony Ainley and character actor Declan Mulholland.

The Day The Earth Stood Still

God, I could really ramble on and on about this movie. Is it the greatest scifi movie of all-time? I really feel that it is because of it's simple and mature approach to the genre.

I know you could throw "Forbidden Planet" or "Star Wars" out there and you would have a valid argument. For me though it's all about "The Day The Earth Stood Still"!

This poster is rather unique looking, it's a French release and the vivid colors and composition really speak to me.

The Day the Earth Stood Still is a 1951 American science fiction film directed by Robert Wise and written by Edmund H. North based on the short story "Farewell to the Master" (1940) by Harry Bates. The film stars Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Sam Jaffe, and Hugh Marlowe. In the film, a humanoid alien visitor comes to Earth with a warning, accompanied by the powerful robot, "Gort".

Creature From The Black Lagoon

My affinity for the Creature (or Gill-Man) has been been documented at length here on this site so I really don't think that I need to go into it very much.

The Creature and Godzilla are the two monsters that I feel in love with way back in my youth.

I have been very blessed as an adult to have known the late Ben Chapman (The Creature on land), talked at some length with Julie Adams and recently met Ricou Browning (The Creature under water). All wonderful people!

This poster is rather unique as in the fact that it is rendered in black and white. Thank God they didn't add those horrible red lips to this image like all the rest!

Creature from the Black Lagoon is a 1954 monster horror film directed by Jack Arnold, and starring Richard Carlson, Julia Adams, Richard Denning, Antonio Moreno, and Whit Bissell. The eponymous creature was played by Ben Chapman on land and Ricou Browning in underwater scenes. The film was released in the United States on March 5, 1954.

Creature from the Black Lagoon was filmed and originally released in 3-D requiring polarized 3-D glasses, and subsequently reissued in the 1970s in the inferior anaglyph format (this version was released on home video by MCA Videocassette, Inc. in 1980). It was one of the first Universal films filmed in 3-D (the first was It Came from Outer Space, which was released a year before). It is considered a classic of the 1950s, and generated two sequels, Revenge of the Creature and The Creature Walks Among Us. Revenge of the Creature was also filmed and released in 3-D, in hopes of reviving the format.

Big Trouble From Little China

If you haven't done so already you should base your life on the teachings of Jack Burton:

"When some wild-eyed, eight-foot-tall maniac grabs your neck, taps the back of your favorite head up against the barroom wall, and he looks you crooked in the eye and he asks you if ya paid your dues, you just stare that big sucker right back in the eye, and you remember what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like that: "Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yessir, the check is in the mail."

Words to live by!

A fun poster for a fun film!

Big Trouble in Little China (also known as John Carpenter's Big Trouble in Little China) is a 1986 American martial arts comedy film directed by John Carpenter. It stars Kurt Russell as truck driver Jack Burton, who helps his friend Wang Chi (Dennis Dun) rescue Wang's green-eyed fiancee (Suzee Pai) from bandits in San Francisco's Chinatown. They go into the mysterious underworld beneath Chinatown, where they face an ancient sorcerer named Lo Pan (James Hong).

Although the film was originally envisioned as a Western set in the 1880s, screenwriter W. D. Richter was hired to rewrite the script extensively and modernize everything. The studio hired Carpenter to direct the film and rushed Big Trouble in Little China into production so that it would be released before a similarly themed Eddie Murphy film, The Golden Child, which was slated to come out around the same time. The project fulfilled Carpenter's long-standing desire to make a martial arts film.

Planet Of The Apes

Before there was "Star Wars" there was "Planet of the Apes" and this young lad had the tree house playset with all the action figures Mego.

Many fans don't remember just how big "Apes" was just before George Lucas' pop-culture Juggernaut took over everything entertainment related.

This baby is Italian a combines almost all of the key elements from many of the other "Apes" posters created around the globe.

Planet of the Apes is a 1968 American science fiction film directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, based on the 1963 French novel La Planète des singes by Pierre Boulle. The film stars Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, James Whitmore, James Daly and Linda Harrison. It was the first in a series of five films made between 1968 and 1973, all produced by Arthur P. Jacobs and released by 20th Century Fox. The series was followed by a remake in 2001 and a reboot in 2011.

The film tells the story of an astronaut crew who crash-land on a strange planet in the distant future. Although the planet appears desolate at first, the surviving crew members stumble upon a society in which apes have evolved into creatures with human-like intelligence and speech. The apes have assumed the role of the dominant species and humans are mute creatures wearing animal skins.

The script was originally written by Rod Serling but had many rewrites before eventually being made. Directors J. Lee Thompson and Blake Edwards were approached, but the film's producer Arthur P. Jacobs, upon the advice of Charlton Heston, chose Franklin J. Schaffner to direct the film. Schaffner's changes included creating a more primitive ape society, instead of the more expensive idea of having futuristic buildings and advanced technology. Filming took place between May–August 1967, mostly in California and Arizona, with the opening scene shot at Lake Powell, Utah. The film's budget was approximately $5,800,000.

Catching Up With The Indie Monster Movie Scene - Giant Gila Monster, Godaizer, Jersey Devils & Giant Shoulders

2011-12-18T08:04:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Avery Guerra, Kenneth Barker, Hillary Yeo

I really have to apologize for not keeping on top of all the really cool stuff that lands in my email each week about some really cool independent film features that I am sure many of you would enjoy knowing about. I don't mean to make excuses but it is the holidays and this boy has a job so time is at a premium.

Over this past week especially there were a few items that deserved their own articles but as I just mentioned time was one thing I didn't have ... yadda yadda yadda. So here is a rather brief recap with links where you can find out more about these projects.

The Giant Gila Monster

Film makers Tony Randel and Jim Wynorski are presently working on a remake of the 1958 cult classic "The Giant Gila Monster" in Franklin, Indiana and is in need of about a hundred extras to get squished by said Gila Monster. The film which stars Don Sullivan, who was the star of the original, will be aired under the title "Gila!" on the SyFy Channel sometime in 2012. This time around the idea of using a real gila monster as the monster is being pushed aside for a CGI creation.

The plot ... well that's simple .... a small Mid-Western town in the 1950s gets menaced by a giant mutated lizard. Nuff said.

If you would like to be in the film here is the info from a member of the production:

“We are shooting 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM December 16th at the Fitness center in Franklin college in Franklin Indiana (The address is: The Franklin College Fitness Center, Grizzly Drive, Franklin, Indiana). We are looking for extras to dress in jeans, white t-shirt (plain) and running shoes.”

For more in formation and some pics from the set visit Undead Backbrain - Update: The Search for Gila Monster Fodder Begins!

Godaizer

For just over a year now I have been talking from time to time about a short animated film that I really liked called "Godaizer". The film is the creation of digital animator Hillary Yeo and is basically an homage to such Japanese giant robot series as "Tetsujin 28-go", "Mazinger", "Ultraman: The Next" and "WXIII: Patlabor the Movie 3".

Yeo took her little film out on the festival circuit in 2011 and found it to be "a sobering experience." There are a lot of people doing digital animation these days and the competition is pretty rough perhaps. Anyway Yeo has decided to skip film festivals and post the entire 20-minute film online for everyone to enjoy. Here it is in it's entirety:

Godaizer Animated Short. (Full Length 19 min version.) from hilscreate on Vimeo.

On The Shoulders Of Giants

British film maker Kenneth Barker has just posted a reworked teaser trailer for his upcoming retro scifi film "On The Shoulders Of Giants". The film is an homage to such classic 1950's popcorn flicks as "Forbidden Planet" and "This Island Earth". Give it a look see:

The film which was supposed to already be out has been pushed back to a summer 2012 release due to the amount of special effects needed for the production.

Jersey Devil Expeditions

As you know Monster Island News is you crypto horror movie headquarters and I have yet another such film for you today. Thomas Smith of Fighting Owl Films is presently looking for funding to get his film "Jersey Devil Expeditions" off the ground.

Here is the plot:

Jersey Devil Expeditions, a horror adventure focusing on the legend and folklore of the mythical Jersey Devil. Filled with humor, scares and romance, the story explores what happens when the employees of a ragtag roadside attraction known as Jersey Devil Expeditions -- popular for its camping trips, in which guests search for and eventually "encounter" the mysterious creature -- learn that the legend has come to life. Stalked in the forest, the guests and their guides must fend off the terrifying beast and find a way to put an end to the bloody legend.

Smith has a screenplay in hand and has even put together a teaser trailer for the film .... dig the creepy nursery rhyme in this one!

Anyone interested in helping Smith with his film should visit FIGHTING OWL FILMS.

That's it for this week folks .... have a merry Christmas!

KING KONG ESCAPES - Did You Know?

2011-12-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

Trivia Compiled By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: IMDB / Wikipedia

Japanese film makers have been obsessed with "King Kong" since his first screen appearance in 1933. Almost immediately "Kong" inspired films began popping up in theaters throughout the land of the rising sun. Unfortunately these films are lost and mostly forgotten.

A couple of decades later when Tomoyuki Tanaka was looking to make a monster film of his own after seeing "The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms" the idea for a Japanese "King Kong" film would be revisited. Most people never knew that originally "Godzilla" wasn't going to be a dinosaur at all but a fire-breathing gorilla. Alas it's true. Of course that idea, plus the idea of making "Big G" a giant octopus, was scrapped for what would become everyone's favorite mutant behemoth, which ultimately proved to be a far better choice.

Who in the hell would want to see a giant fire-breathing gorilla movie? Okay, maybe I would but most people wouldn't.

Toho would eventually make two "King Kong" films, one being "King Kong vs Godzilla" and the other "King Kong Escapes". Despite what a lot of people believe the two films are in no way connected to each other in any way. That is to say "KK Escapes" is not a sequel to "KK vs G".

As many of you may know December is my birthday month and 1967 is my birthday year so I figured I would post about my favorite monster film from that year "King Kong Escapes".

Did You Know?

Two costumes of King Kong were made. The arms of the first costume were very long, so Haruo Nakajima's hands did not reach those of the costume. He had to grasp onto sticks that were attached to the hands of the costume. He wore a second costume with shorter arms whenever they were shooting footage of King Kong battling other monsters.

The way Kong kills Gorosaurus, by splitting his jaws apart, is the same way the original Kong kills the tyrannosaurus in the original King Kong.

Even though Linda Miller was an American that spoke fluent English, her voice was dubbed by Julie Bennett.

This film was a live action tie-in to the animated TV series King Kong, which was also produced by Rankin/Bass Productions.

In the film, Doctor Hu is trying to get some Element X by digging into the land under the ice at the North Pole. There is no land under the North Pole, but there is a lot of it under the South Pole.

During some of the North Pole scenes, Dr. Hu's men cast shadows on the painting of the "distance" (mainly snow-capped mountains) on the studio set.

The film opened in the United States in June 1968 on a double-bill with the Don Knotts comedy The Shakiest Gun in the West Contemporary American reviews were mixed. New York Times film critic Vincent Canby gave it a particularly insulting review, commenting, "The Japanese...are all thumbs when it comes to making monster movies like 'King Kong Escapes.' The Toho movie makers are quite good in building miniature sets, but much of the process photography—matching the miniatures with the full-scale shots—is just bad...the plotting is hopelessly primitive..."

Outside of the Japan and the U.S, the film received a wide release in most International markets where it went by different titles. The film was released in Germany as King-Kong, Frankensteins Sohn (King Kong: Frankenstein's Son), in Belgium as La Revanche de King Kong (The Revenge of King Kong), in Italy as King Kong il gigante della foresta (King Kong, The Giant of the Forest), in Turkey as Canavarlarin Gazabi (Wrath of the Monsters), in Mexico as El Regreso de King Kong (The Return of King Kong), in Finland as King Kong kauhun saarella (King Kong on the Island of Terror), and in Sweden as King Kong på skräckens ö (King Kong on Terror Island)

Toho had wanted to use King Kong again after this film. King Kong was included in an early draft for the 1968 film Destroy All Monsters but was ultimately dropped due to the fact that Toho's licence on the character was set to expire. Toho managed to get some use out of the suit though. The suit was reused to play the character "Gorilla" in episode #38 of the Toho giant superhero show Go! Greenman. The 3 part episode titled Greenman vs. Gorilla aired from March 21, 1974 through March 23, 1974.

Toho would bring the character Gorosaurus into the Godzilla series in the 1968 film Destroy All Monsters using the same suit from this film. The suit was reused again four years later (at this point in dilapidated condition) to portray the character in episode #6 of the Toho giant superhero show Go! Godman. The 6 part episode titled Godman vs. Gorosaurus aired from November 9, 1972 through November 15, 1972.

In the early 1990s when plans for a King Kong vs Godzilla remake fell through, Toho had planned to bring back Mechani-Kong as an opponent for Godzilla in the project Godzilla vs. Mechani-Kong. However, according to Koichi Kawakita, it was discovered that obtaining permission even to use the likeness of King Kong would be difficult. Kawakita stated, Toho wanted to pit Godzilla against King Kong because King Kong vs. Godzilla was very successful. So, it instead decided to use MechaniKong. Soon afterward, it was discovered that obtaining permission even to use the likeness of King Kong would be also as difficult. So, the project was canceled.

The shot of Gorosaurus living on Monster Island seen in the 1969 film All Monsters Attack was actually stock footage taken from this film.

The July 15, 1968, issue of Film Bulletin, however, gave it a more positive review, saying, "Grown-ups who like their entertainments on a comic-strip level will find this good fun and the Universal release (made in Japan) has plenty of ballyhoo angles to draw the school-free youngsters in large numbers."

And Now You Know!

The Monstrous Movie Quote Of The Day: Jack Burton (Big Trouble In Little China 1986)

2011-12-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

"Well, ya see, I'm not saying that I've been everywhere and I've done everything, but I do know it's a pretty amazing planet we live on here, and a man would have to be some kind of FOOL to think we're alone in THIS universe. "

- Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) (Big Trouble In Little China)(1986)

See Also: Celluloid Philosophers - Jack Burton / Big Trouble In Little China (1986)(20th Century Fox)

Los Angeles Comic Book and Science-Fiction Convention January 15, 2012

2011-12-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

I will have a table at the Los Angeles Comic Book and Science-Fiction Convention Sunday, January 15, 2012 at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium Expo Center at 700 West 32nd St., Los Angeles, CA.

I will be selling The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. The celebrity guests include actor Ron Ely (Doc Savage, Tarzan), actress Yancy Butler (Witchblade) and stars of the Adventures of Superboy.

From the show's website:

REGULAR ADMISSION is only $8.00, five years and under are free. Show Hours: 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. Each attendee receives a Hand Stamp and Ticket which allows all day access to the Convention, so you can go to lunch and come back to continue shopping. EARLY ADMISSION is only $12.00 and shop early like the Dealers starting at 9:10 A.M. PREMIUM ADMISSION is $12.00 and you'll receive a UNDERWORLD AWAKENING MOVIE T-SHIRT AND FULL SIZE POSTER! In addition, the PREMIUM ADMISSION also includes EARLY ADMISSION! GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE (opens in theaters February 17) give-aways might be added, so check back closer to show date for updates.

For more information, go to http://www.comicbookscifi.com/index.html.

Remember: The Los Angeles Comic Book and Science-Fiction Convention Sunday, January 15, 2012! Mark your calendar!

It's Time Once Again For Godzilla Christmas

2011-12-12T07:04:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Inventors Spot / Whyismarko

It's the holiday season again and everyone is thinking about buying gifts, eggnog, Perry Como songs, snow, Christmas carols, setting up an enormous light display in front of their house, friends, family, and of course Godzilla. What the hell does Godzilla have to do with Christmas? Well my naive friend quite a lot as you will soon discover.

Over the past couple of decades a new Godzilla movie has been released each year just before Christmas much to the delight of monster movie maniacs around the globe. Of course when I say released I mean released in Japan. The connection with these films and the happiest of holidays has not been lost on the people who dwell in the land of the rising sun and every year it seems that the monster is primed to kick Santa to the curb for good.

A perfect example of this the Christmas tree at the Aqua City Odaiba shopping mall in Tokyo which is shaped like "the king of monsters". Not only is the thing shaped like Godzilla but it also has eyes that glow red and it shoots out steam from it's mouth!

How friggin cool is that!

Only the Japanese would come up with a 40ft Christmas tree that is shaped like Godzilla that breathes fire!

God, they really are years ahead of us aren't they? Our Kong tree that kidnaps a blond female shopper and climbs to the top of the food court is a decade away at best.

Now many of you may think that this is sacrilegious .... and it probably is, but for some reason some people like to replace the characters from the Bible with Japanese giant monsters in their nativity scenes. Why? Who knows? Yet every year pictures of Godzilla nativity scenes start popping up online just after thanksgiving. This image comes from a blogger's list of the 40 worst nativity scenes. Now is Godzilla Marry or Joseph? Is Ghidorah supposed to be the three wise men? Did they eat up all the sheep and oxen? That stable would have to be huge! More questions here than answers I'm afraid.

Merry Godzilla Christmas!

Hundreds flee in terror as the Godzilla Christmas tree attacks a Tokyo mall!

DANGER 5: THE DIAMOND GIRLS (Part Four)

2011-12-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

If you loved "Planet of the Apes" then you will love today's episode of "Danger 5"!

After a quick round of Marconis at the Nassau airport bar, Danger 5 rendezvous with their Nazi liaison and embark on a road-trip to Göring's island getaway. However, Nassau roadways are a dangerous place and Danger 5 soon fall victim to the "Terror of the Streets" ...Italians.

Stay tuned for
the FINAL instalment
Of THE DIAMOND GIRLS:
PART 5

"Go To Hell Mario!"

DANGER 5: THE DIAMOND GIRLS (Part Three)
DANGER 5: THE DIAMOND GIRLS (PART TWO)
Danger 5: The Diamond Girls (Part One)
Can DANGER 5 Save The World From Nazi Dinosaurs?

FASTER, PUSSYCAT! KILL! KILL! - Did You Know?

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Trivia Compiled By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: IMDB / Wikipedia

It is commonly known that what one person considers to be a great movie may not be so great to others. Many of us have guilty pleasures in the realm of cinema that make others scratch their heads and mutter "wtf"? Certain aspects of a film may speak to one person yet be totally lost on another. One man's treasure is another man's trash and so on.

Such a film is the 1965 Russ Meyer classic (?) "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" which to me is one of those afore mentioned type of films. Why do I like it so much? Well ... I can only surmise that it has something to so with cleavage and violence. It may also have something to do with it being a great "quote movie" like "Army of Darkness", "Big Trouble in Little China" and "Shaun of the Dead".

"I never try anything. I just do it. And I don't beat clocks, just people! Wanna try me?"

Then again there is only one name that you need to know, Tura Satana. If you don't know who that is you sure will never be able to forget her after watching "Faster, Pussycat!".

Did you know?

The film was shot in the extreme western parts of the Mojave Desert. However, some of the scenes appear to have been filmed farther east, near Baker, California. The last scenes in the film were made west of California City. The rail line running between Mojave and Trona, California is clearly evident.

Lead actress Tura Satana, legally owns her likeness and image. So, whenever Russ Meyer wanted to change the artwork or re-release the project, he had to get her permission and sometimes pay her all over again.

Russ Meyer named the movie like this because he claims that a movie has everything when it contains speed (faster), sex (pussycat) and violence(kill,kill).

In the beginning of the movie, when Billie detours to go to the lake, the front driver's side wheel cover is missing, and looks like some minor front end damage in the same area, which can be seen when she pulls up and stops next to the bush at the lake. Later on in the film, the wheel cover is present and there is no damage to the car.

When Billie and Rosie are fighting in the dirt after being in the lake, Billie's hair appears much shorter than it does in other scenes.

During the dinner scene, Billie is eating a leg and thigh of chicken but when the shot changes to behind the old man she's eating a cob of corn.

After Varla cuts the fence and gets back into her car, look at the rear side window. Crew member with hat is briefly visible in the reflection.

After Rosie and Varla take out The Old Man with the Porsche, the front license plate is shown hanging down. Later, when the Porsche is shown approaching The Vegetable, the license plate is back in place.

Gas Station Attendant: [staring down at Varla's cleavage as he pumps gas] Just passing through, huh? Boy, that motor's sure hot! You gals really must have been moving on these little machines. Yessir, the thrill of the open road. New places, new people, new sights of interest. Now that's what I believe in, seeing America first!
Varla: You won't find it down there, Columbus!

And now you know!

The Monstrous Movie Quote Of The Day: Barbarella (Barbarella 1968)

2011-12-10T07:56:00.000-08:00

The Great Tyrant: Do you want to come and play with me? For someone like you I charge nothing. You're very pretty, Pretty-Pretty.
Barbarella: My name isn't pretty-pretty, it's Barbarella.

- The Great Tyrant (Anita Pallenberg) & Barbarella (Jane Fonda)(Barbarella)(1968)

Godzilla SH Monster Arts Spacegodzilla Action Figure

2011-12-10T07:40:00.001-08:00

Source: Entertainment Earth

Godzilla SH Monster Arts Spacegodzilla Action Figure:

From the classic movie Godzilla vs. Spacegodzilla and the expert craftsmanship of the renowned Godzilla model sculptor Sakai Yuji comes the third installment of the ultimate monster action figure series, S.H. Monster Arts. Space Godzilla is seen here in extreme detail and articulation. The space horn on head and crystals on shoulder have been faithfully replicated in clear parts for added realism. The Spacegodzilla figure measures approximately 6 1/2-inches tall and is rendered with high quality plastic materials and includes special Corona Beam effect parts. Ideal for displaying in battle scenes with other S.H. Monster Arts figures!

Order Yours From Entertainment Earth For $83.99 - HERE

Voltron Blazing Sword Comic Con 2011 Exclusive

2011-12-10T07:27:00.001-08:00

Source: Entertainment Earth

Voltron Blazing Sword SDCC 2011 Exclusive Action Figure:

Voltron from the classic animated TV series!
Voltron- Defender of the Universe!
A San Diego Comic-Con 2011 exclusive!

Completely authentic to the original series, he's the most poseable Voltron figure yet with more than 22 points of articulation! Voltron comes complete with a translucent sword so you can "Form Blazing Sword!" Includes 2x "AA" batteries. Push the button on the packaging to hear Voltron's opening theme from the cartoon! Ages 13 and up.

Age: 13+
Batteries Included: Yes
Battery Type: 2 x AA

Order Yours For Only $34.99 From Entertainment Earth - HERE

Just When You Thought It Was Safe Along Comes A Bigfoot Porno

2011-12-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Bill Burke

Oh how the Bigfoot movie craze continues unabated! It seems like over the past few years every independent film maker on the planet has taken a shot at producing a Sasquatch themed horror movie. Now film maker Bill Burke has taken the genre in yet another direction with a crypto themed adult film. Yes you heard me right, a Bigfoot porn movie.

Dig this tagline: "You know what they say about guys with big feet!"

I present for your titillation, "Sweet Prudence & The Erotic Adventures Of Bigfoot" a new erotic-comedy-adventure that, according to the films website, started out as a comic book. Now I have never seen this comic wedged on any rack between Batman and the Fantastic Four so I'll just have to take their word on that.

Maybe I should find a more open minded comic shop?

Anyway Burke described his creation in an email to yours truly as "...a new film featuring that audience favorite monster Bigfoot, along with that other audience favorite element - gratuitous nudity."

That pretty much sums it up.

From the trailer, which unfortunately for you I can't post here, I can tell you that "Sweet Prudence" is your typical adult film with plenty of boobs, oral sex ... a lot of oral sex actually, girl on girl action and people getting it on right and left. Of course the million dollar question is "does Bigfoot get any?" I can tell you that indeed Sasquatch scores, a lot, even with Sweet Prudence as if you didn't see that coming. (No pun intended)

You may be surprised to learn that many famous movie monsters have starred in adult films over the decades. Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolf Man and The Mummy have all shared scenes with naked women in various films (not to mention all the lesbian vampire features produced mostly in the 70s and 80s) so it seems that it was about time for Bigfoot to do a Ron Jeremey impression as well.

Here is the plot (yes some porn movies have plots):

When two beautiful girls (Faye and Ginger), working at a remote country resort encounter the mythical giant known as Bigfoot it sets off a chain of comedic events. Prudence a beautiful young woman, her best friend Veruca, and college buddy Mike set out to take the perfect photo of Bigfoot; one which will allow Prudence to finally get her degree in Cryptozoology.

Their quest takes them to the Cottontail resort, a nudist camp run by a beautiful “flower child”, aptly named Flower. Flower’s remaining assistant Ginger, who previously encountered Bigfoot assists our hunters. But Bigfoot is continuously watching them in both their public, and private moments, while occasionally seizing the opportunity to steal electronic equipment.

Their quest is often sidetracked by an array of erotic encounters amidst the beautiful countryside. Despite the erotic entanglements Prudence finds the time to develop affection for the misunderstood hairy giant, and wants to ensure nobody harms it. Her attempts to communicate with Bigfoot lead to amazing, and hilarious revelations about the legendary creature, who’s much more worldly, or rather otherworldly than anyone ever gave him credit for.

SWEET PRUDENCE & THE EROTIC ADVENTURE OF BIGFOOT is like a racy adult comic book come to life ala the cult classic Barbarella.

Look for "Sweet Prudence & The Erotic Adventures Of Bigfoot" to premiere on Cinemax in April of 2012.

Here are some photos from the film, which unfortunately for you I couldn't post most of them:

Honda Estate vs. Toho: More Information

2011-12-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Here's a few more details (and confirmation that there is a legal action pending) from Godzilla historian Ed Godzisewski (right) that was posted at the Monster Zero message board:

Yes, there is a legal case ongoing in Japan. Has been for a while. I have heard about the case from Ryuji for a couple years. The family has preferred to just quietly pursue the case the way it should be done, in court. It all stems from the Japanese system that gives rights to writers (not directors).

The first ruling is due in February.

Looks like we won't have to wait too long.

Honda Estate vs. Toho: Delving Deeper

2011-12-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The story of the alleged lawsuit by the family of late director Ishiro Honda against Toho Co., Ltd. over the Godzilla copyright may have some legs after all.

Over on Facebook, some of us were mulling over the story.

It was asked by one participant: "Couldn't we have somebody in Japan verify if a Complaint has actually been filed? Those are a matter of public record·"

Noted Godzilla historian August Ragone replied that he had looked into it and he is currently "writing up something about this now [for his blog]."

Once he does, I'll post a link to his blog post. This should be interesting!

It appears we may be on the verge of learning something about Japanese copyright law.

DANGER 5: THE DIAMOND GIRLS (Part Three)

2011-12-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

It's Monday again so you know what the means, a brand-new episode of "Danger 5"!

Danger 5 have scored themselves a free trip to the Bahamas, but it turns out this holiday package has hidden fees. Looks like Danger 5 will have to make a down payment in bullets.

Stay tuned for:
PART 4

... and everyone knows that you can shoot someone through the phone ... duh!

DANGER 5: THE DIAMOND GIRLS (PART TWO)
Danger 5: The Diamond Girls (Part One)
Can DANGER 5 Save The World From Nazi Dinosaurs?

A Special Preview Of THE DARK KNIGHT RISES On IMAX Screens Dec 16th

2011-12-05T07:21:00.000-08:00

Source: Warner Bros

Warner Bros. Pictures' "The Dark Knight Rises"—the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy—is one of the most anticipated films of 2012, but moviegoers won't have to wait until next year to see the six-minute opening sequence of the film. The film's prologue will be unveiled exclusively in select 70mm IMAX® theatres worldwide. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

The Prologue will be released in North America on December 16, and in the UK on December 21, 2011. Additional international dates vary by territory and will be announced soon.

In making the 2008 blockbuster "The Dark Knight," Nolan was the first to use IMAX® cameras in a major motion picture release, and, as now, audiences were given an advance look at that film's prologue months prior to the Summer 2008 opening. Nolan employed the extremely high-resolution cameras even more extensively on "The Dark Knight Rises"—including the film's prologue—to achieve unprecedented crispness and clarity and a truly immersive experience for the moviegoers.

Christopher Nolan stated, "Our experience on 'The Dark Knight' shooting and projecting IMAX 15 perf 65mm/70mm film was inspiring. The immersive quality of the image goes beyond any other filmmaking tool available, and in revisiting Gotham, we were determined to shoot even more of the movie in this unique format. Giving the fans an early look at an IMAX sequence is a great way to draw attention to what I believe will be an incredible way to experience our story when it comes out next summer."

Following is a list of the theatres in North America in which the Prologue of "The Dark Knight Rises" will be revealed on December 16th:

Austin, TX - IMAX Theater Austin - Austin
Boston, MA - Jordan's IMAX - Natick
Boston, MA - IMAX 3D Theatre in Reading - Reading
Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Theatre Chinook 16 + IMAX - Calgary
Chantilly, VA - Washington, DC - Udvar-Hazy Center IMAX - Chantilly
Chicago, IL - Navy Pier IMAX Theatre - Chicago
Des Moines, IA - SCI IMAX Dome Theater - Des Moines
Detroit, MI - Henry Ford IMAX - Dearborn
Edmonton, AB - Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton + IMAX - Edmonton
Harrisburg, PA - The Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts IMAX - Harrisburg
Houston, TX - Houston Marq*e Stadium 22 + IMAX - Houston
Indianapolis - White River IMAX - Indianapolis
Los Angeles, CA - Irvine Spectrum 20 + IMAX - Irvine
Los Angeles, CA - RAVE 18 + IMAX - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA - Ontario Palace Stadium 22 + IMAX - Ontario
Los Angeles, CA - Citywalk Stadium 19 with IMAX - Universal City
Madison, WI- Star 18 Fitchburg with IMAX - Fitchburg
Miami, FL - AutoNation IMAX - Fort Lauderdale
Minneapolis, MN - Great Clips IMAX - Apple Valley
Montreal, QC - Cinema Banque Scotia Montreal + IMAX - Montreal
Nashville, TN - Opry Mills Stadium 20 + IMAX - Nashville
New York, NY - Lincoln Square 13 with IMAX - New York
New York, NY - Palisades IMAX - West Nyack
Omaha, NE - Star Cinema 16 with IMAX - Council Bluffs
Orlando, FL - Pointe Orlando Stadium 20 + IMAX - Orlando
Ottawa, ON - Silvercity Gloucester + IMAX - Gloucester-Ottawa
Palm Springs(Los Angeles) - Desert IMAX Theatre - Cathedral City
Philadelphia, PA - IMAX & the Tropicana - Atlantic City
Philadelphia, PA - Tuttleman IMAX - Franklin Institute - Philadelphia
Phoenix, AZ - Arizona Mills 25 with IMAX - Tempe
Providence, RI - Providence Place 16 with IMAX - Providence
Quebec City, QC - IMAX Le Theatre At Quebec - Quebec City
Sacramento, CA - Esquire IMAX - Sacramento
San Antonio, TX - IMAX at RiverCenter - San Antonio
San Francisco, CA - Metreon 16 with IMAX & ETX - San Francisco
Seattle, WA - Boeing IMAX - Pacific Science Center - Seattle
Tampa, FL - Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)- Tampa
Toronto, ON - Coliseum 12 Mississauga + IMAX - Mississauga
Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Theatre Toronto + IMAX - Toronto
Toronto, ON - Colossus 18 Woodbridge + IMAX - Woodbridge-Vaughan
Vancouver, BC - Colossus Langley + IMAX - Langley
Vancouver, BC - Silvercity Riverport 18 + IMAX - Richmond

Below is a list of the theatres in the UK in which the Prologue of "The Dark Knight Rises" will be revealed on December 21st:

UK - BFI London - London
UK - National Media Museum IMAX Bradford - Bradford
UK - Glasgow Science Centre IMAX Cinema - Glasgow
UK - Odeon Manchester IMAX @ The Printworks - Manchester

Opening on July 20, 2012, "The Dark Knight Rises" features an international all-star cast, led by Oscar® winner Christian Bale ("The Fighter") in the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film also stars Anne Hathaway, as Selina Kyle; Tom Hardy, as Bane; Oscar® winner Marion Cotillard ("La Vie en Rose"), as Miranda Tate; and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, as John Blake. Reprising their roles from both "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight," Oscar® winner Michael Caine ("The Cider House Rules") plays Alfred; Gary Oldman is Commissioner Gordon; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman ("Million Dollar Baby") plays Lucius Fox.

Nolan directed "The Dark Knight Rises" from a screenplay by Jonathan Nolan and Christopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. The film is produced by Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan and Charles Roven, who previously teamed on "Batman Begins" and the record-breaking blockbuster "The Dark Knight." Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull are the executive producers, with Jordan Goldberg serving as co-producer. "The Dark Knight Rises" is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman created by Bob Kane.

"The Dark Knight Rises" will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. The prologue has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for "some violence." www.thedarkknightrises.com

Steven Moffat Talks Doctor Who Christmas Special: The Doctor, The Widow And The Wardrobe

2011-12-05T07:13:00.000-08:00

Source: BBC

Steven Moffat introduces this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special:

"The Doctor at Christmas - it always just feels so right. When I was a kid, Santa and the Doctor somehow lived in the same place in my head - two generous madmen that I loved so much. So now that the Doctor is a regular feature of Christmas the world is just that bit more right.

"This time we're in England in the 1940s, and recently widowed Madge Arwell hasn't told her children, Lily and Cyril, that their father has died flying his bomber home over the channel, because she doesn't want Christmas to become the day that broke their hearts.

"But when they're evacuated to a draughty old house in Dorset for the holidays, and meet a mysterious young caretaker in a bow tie, events take an unexpected turn. What could be inside that big blue parcel under the tree?

"Soon the Arwells find themselves in a battle for survival in a magical new land. As ever, at this time of year, the Doctor is trying to make things right, and as always it doesn't go according to plan. But maybe he's reckoned without the power of a determined mother.

"This Christmas, it might just be the lonely Time Lord who's shown the way home."

Honda Estate vs. Toho Ramifications?

2011-12-04T13:16:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, yours truly with the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios.

The story of the alleged copyright lawsuit against Toho by the heirs of Ishiro Honda over the Godzilla character may have some big ramifications if 1.) the story is true or, 2.), they actually win.

The story does not sound Japanese to me. Maybe in America, perhaps (i.e., Bela Lugosi Jr.'s legal actions over his father's image and The Three Stooges).

If the story is true and Honda's heirs prevail and win the Godzilla copyright from Toho, could we see Noriaki Yuasa's estate taking similar action against Kadokawa Pictures (the successor company to Daiei) over the Showa Gamera and Shusuke Kaneko over the Heisei Gamera? Who knows what (or who) may come out of the woodwork?

It will be interesting to see how this plays out, if true.

A Gallery Of Great Monster Movie Posters - Pentagonal Edition

2011-12-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Movie Info From Wikipedia

It's that time once again ladies and gentlemen, time to take a look at a fine collection of monster movie posters selected by yours truly. Since this is the fifth installment of this feature that I started a few months back I decided to go a little cerebral this time around. In other words I decided to make all of you think for change. Hope you don't mid?

As a author and webmaster of a fine Internet destination it is my job to both educate and entertain, and that's exactly what I intend to do today.

Don't freak out it will be fun!

Since this is the fifth (or pentagonal) edition (ah-ha see!) I have selected five posters (and the sum of them will be five). Four of these posters share one element in common. The fifth one does not. See if you can figure out what that fifth poster has, or doesn't have, in common with the others?

Once you get it, post a response or tell all your friends how damn cool and smart you are!

Now some trivia about the number five:

"Five is the second Sierpinski number of the first kind, and can be written as S2=(22)+1"

Forbidden Planet (Above)

One of the greatest science fiction films of all time with an equally great poster to boot!

Forbidden Planet is a 1956 science fiction film directed by Fred M. Wilcox, with a screenplay by Cyril Hume. It stars Leslie Nielsen, Walter Pidgeon, and Anne Francis. The characters and its setting have been compared to those in William Shakespeare's The Tempest, and its plot contains certain story analogs. Forbidden Planet was the first science fiction film that was set entirely on another planet in deep space, away from the planet Earth. It is considered one of the great science fiction films of the 1950s, a precursor of what was to come for the science fiction film genre in the decades that followed.

- And it has Anne Francis too!

Tobor The Great

Big bad robot does big bad things!

Tobor the Great is a 1954 science fiction film, written by Carl Dudley & Philip MacDonald, and directed by Lee Sholem. It stars Charles Drake, Karin Booth, and Billy Chapin.

Dr. Ralph Harrison, a member of the new government-appointed Civil Interplanetary Flight Commission, resigns in protest against the inhumane treatment being inflicted upon spaceship pilots. His colleague Professor Nordstrom develops an alternative robot spaceman, "Tobor" (the reverse anagram of "robot"), which is stolen by enemy agents. Only the scientists' psychic link with the robot can save it from being reprogrammed for evil purposes.

"While polynomial equations of degree 4 and below can be solved with radicals, equations of degree 5 and higher cannot generally be so solved. This is the Abel–Ruffini theorem. This is related to the fact that the symmetric group Sn is a solvable group for n ≤ 4 and not solvable for n ≥ 5."

Invasion Of The Saucer-Men

Damn big-headed space reptiles always coming to Earth to destroy our cities and run off with our dames! Great poster ... and ... and ... um ... Is that woman not wearing any underwear? Doesn't look like it! How did they get that past the censors?

Invasion of the Saucer Men (also known as Invasion of the Hell Creatures, working title - Spacemen Saturday Night) is a 1957 sci-fi comedy film starring Steven Terrell and Gloria Castillo and personally produced by James H. Nicholson for his American International Pictures (AIP). The screenplay by Robert J Gurney Jr and Al Martin was based on the 1955 short story "The Cosmic Frame" by Paul W. Fairman. The film was released as a double feature with I Was a Teenage Werewolf.

"Five is also the number of Platonic solids"

Still worked up about that underwear thing ...

The Monolith Monsters

Filmed here locally at "Dead Man's Point" in Lucerne Valley. A great place to go rock climbing. Bring the kids!

The Monolith Monsters (1957) is a science fiction film directed by John Sherwood and starring Grant Williams and Lola Albright. It is based on a story by Jack Arnold and Robert M. Fresco with screenplay by Fresco and Normal Jolley.

"A polygon with five sides is a pentagon. Figurate numbers representing pentagons (including five) are called pentagonal numbers. Five is also a square pyramidal number."

The Amazing Colossal Man

Hey you give us bald guys a dose of high-level radiation and we go nuts chugging beers, grabbing girls and running around in the desert in our underwear.

Okay we don't need the radiation ...

The Amazing Colossal Man is a 1957 black-and-white science fiction film, directed by Bert I. Gordon and starring Glenn Langan. The film revolves around a 60 foot mutant man produced as the result of an atomic accident.

"Five is the only prime number to end in the digit 5, because all other numbers written with a 5 in the ones-place under the decimal system are multiples of five. As a consequence of this, 5 is in base 10 a 1-automorphic number."

So do you feel any smarter? Were you entertained?

I am so smart ... S-M-R-T!

No really she has no panties on! Go look for yourself! It's like Jessica Rabbit in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit".

The Monstrous Movie Quote Of The Day: Gigantis The Fire Monster (1959)

2011-12-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

- "Horrors in the world of science are part of nature's plan."

- Gigantis the Fire Monster (1959)

"Kobayashi... we beat Godzilla for you!"

Ishiro Honda Family Suing For Godzilla Copyright

2011-12-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Above, yours truly with Toho's (or is it Honda's?) copyrighted Godzilla character.

It has been reported that the family of Godzilla director Ishiro Honda is suing Toho Co., Ltd. for the copyright to the Godzilla character.

According to this article in Ridersrangersandrambles.com:

In a past case, the copyright for Godzilla was supposed to belong to the Honda estate, but Toho insists on having at least the merchandising rights to the character.

Personally, I don't see how Ishiro Honda or his family has any claim to the rights to the character as Honda was a staff director of Toho, unless there is some codicil in his contract with the movie studio giving him some rights. Then again, there may be something in Japanese law or case law that provides this.

To read the full article (with links to Japanese sites), go here.

Holiday DVD And Blu-ray Gift Ideas For The Monster Movie Fan In Your Home

2011-12-03T07:26:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Amazon.com

Yes we are well into the holiday gift buying season and as it happens every year we are all running around like fury little idiots trying to find the right gifts for the right people. It can be quite a daunting task, so much so that you may be tempted just to buy everyone a bag of cookies and be done with it. Then again ... who do I give the chocolate chip ones to and who gets the peanut butter? Argh it can be maddening!

Well if you have a monster movie buff or just a movie buff in general on your holiday shopping list, and if your reading MIN that's a safe bet, hopefully I can be of some assistance.

I have taken the time to compile a selection of DVD and Blu-ray titles that will make any monster movie nut pop a yule log come Christmas morning.

TCM Greatest Classic Film Collection: Hammer Horror (Horror of Dracula / Dracula Has Risen from the Grave / The Curse of Frankenstein / Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed)

Hey with this one you get four, count em, four great Hammer horror films in one package. What a value!

Order on DVD From Amazon.com for $9.99

Godzilla Vs Megalon (DVD and Blu-ray)

For about a decade Godzilla fans have been going ape-shit crazy waiting for this title to come to DVD!

Here's the plot:

The undersea kingdom of Seatroplis is threatened when Japan begins atomic testing near Tokyo. The angry Seatopians send their secret weapon, Megalon, to destroy Tokyo and eliminate the human race. But earth gets once last chance when the sleeping Godzilla is rudely awakened! It becomes a titanic tag team of apocalyptic dimensions as Godzilla and robot superhero Jet Jaguar fight Megalon and Gigan in an all-out rubber-suit rumble to determine Earth s fate.

Order this film on Blu-ray from Amazon,com $24.99

Order this film on DVD from Amazon.com $14.99

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Two-Disc Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)

Speaking of going ape-shit crazy, Rise of the Planet of the Apes was this past summers best movie!

Here's the plot:

Rise of the Planet of the Apes is a revolution; an action-packed epic featuring stunning visual effects and creatures unlike anything ever seen before. At the story's heart is Caesar (Andy Serkis), a chimpanzee who gains human-like intelligence and emotions from an experimental drug. Raised like a child by the drug's creator (James Franco), Caesar ultimately finds himself taken from the humans he loves and imprisoned. Seeking justice, Caesar assembles a simian army and escapes -- putting man and primate on a collision course that could change the planet forever.

Order this DVD/Blu-ray combo from Amazon.com $24.99

Green Slime (Remastered Edition)

Another film that sci fi and monster movie fans have been waiting for. This one is so bad that it's good!

The plot:

After a perilous mission to a huge asteroid, a crew returns to its space station, unaware a bit of ooze from the asteroid clings to a crewman's uniform. The green goop grows - into murderous, tentacled monsters. And as station members fight to live, gunk from the monsters' wounds turns into more monsters! That's the story. Now enjoy as our heroes fight to preserve Earth and, unintentionally, our own senses of humor with a movie that Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times called "one of the funniest made-in-Japan sci-fi monster movies ever." Kinji Fukasaku, whose later work was championed by Quentin Tarantino, directs. The world would be a far more bleak and joyless place without marvels like The Green Slime.

Order this film on DVD from Amazon.com $15.99

Godzilla (The Criterion Collection)

It's about time this amazing film got the Criterion treatment! This is a must-have item for any movie fan!

The skinny:

Ishiro Honda’s Godzilla is the roaring granddaddy of all monster movies. It’s also a remarkably humane and melancholy drama made in Japan at a time when the country was still reeling from nuclear attack and H-bomb testing. Its rampaging radioactive beast, the poignant embodiment of an entire population’s fears, became a beloved international icon of destruction, spawning more than twenty sequels and spinoffs. This first thrilling, tactile spectacle continues to be a cult phenomenon; here, we present the original, 1954 Japanese version, along with Godzilla: King of the Monsters!, the 1956 American reworking starring Raymond Burr (Rear Window).

Order this film on Blu-ray from Amazon.com $27.99

Order this film on DVD from Amazon.com $19.99

Paul (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have done it again! This was another great film that may have slipped under some people's radar. Trust me, you will pee yourself from laughing!

The propaganda:

Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) reunite as sci-fi geeks taking a pilgrimage to America's UFO heartland. There they meet a smart-ass alien, Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen), who takes them on an insane road trip. As they struggle to return Paul home, the little green man might just take the outcasts from misfits to intergalactic heroes.

Order this DVD/Blu-ray combo From Amazon.com $12.99

Order this film on DVD from Amazon.com $10.49

Kingdom Of The Spiders [Special Edition]

William Shatner covered in tarantulas, do I have to say more?

The crawling facts:

William Shatner stars as veterinarian Rack Hansen in this cult classic about an Arizona town infested with a horde of arachnids that turn on the humans whose insecticides have depleted their natural food supply.

After livestock belonging to rancher Walter Colby fall victim to a spider attack, entomologist Diane Ashley (Tiffany Bolling) arrives and tries to help Rack deal with the crisis: but with the big county fair fast approaching, Mayor Connors refuses to let them quarantine the ranch. Soon the remaining residents of the town must barricade themselves at Emma Washburns lodge in an effort to save themselves from the eight-legged invaders in the ultimate man vs. spider showdown.

Order this movie on DVD from Amazon.com $15.99

SHAUN OF THE DEAD - Did You Know?

2011-12-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

Trivia Compiled By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: IMDB / Wikipedia

I'm certain that I am not alone when I say that the movie "Shaun of the Dead" is one of the greatest comedies of all time. The collaboration between director Edgar Wright and actors Simon Pegg and Nick Frost is a perfect parody of zombie movies that serves as a spot on social commentary as well.

Who are the real zombies in the film?

Anyway the movie is one of my all-time favorites and I felt that is was about time that we took a closer look at this modern classic!

Did You Know?

In some markets, the film was released as Zombies Party.

Many of the Zombie extras are fans of the TV series Spaced, which also starred Simon Pegg and Nick Frost and was also directed by Edgar Wright. They were recruited through the Spaced Out fan web site to be in the film.

The phrase "fried gold" originated behind the scenes of Simon Pegg, Jessica Hynes and Edgar Wright's sitcom Spaced and was mentioned several times on the DVD commentaries for that series. It makes several fan-pleasing appearances in the film.

Frequent references are made to Big Al's claim that dogs can't look up. This is a reference to the commentary to the second series of Spaced in which Simon Pegg (Shaun) and Edgar Wright talk about Nick Frost (Ed)'s claim that the difficulty in shooting a scene with a dog was due to the fact that dogs can't look up.

When Shaun, Liz, David, Dianne, Barbara and Ed run into the alternative 'gang' as they make their way to the Winchester, there are quite a few comedy partnerships brought together again. Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes - Tim and Daisy from Spaced. Lucy Davis and Martin Freeman - Dawn and Tim from The Office. Dylan Moran and Tamsin Greig - Bernard and Fran from Black Books. Julia Deakin and Nick Frost are, of course, in Spaced too, as Marsha and Mike respectively.

The zombie that Shaun (Simon Pegg) and Ed (Nick Frost) find in their garden is Mary, the checkout girl from the film's credit montage. A short story detailing her transformation into one of the undead was featured in issue 1384 of the classic British sci-fi comic 2000AD. The issue went on sale 7 April 2004. The strip was called "There's Something About Mary" and was written by Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright (the film's co-writers) with art by Frazer Irving.

Shaun (Simon Pegg) complains that Ed (Nick Frost) isn't his boyfriend, then says, "Thanks, babe." In season one of Spaced, a conversation begins in a similar manner between the two actors ("All right, babe?"). This was, however, a total mistake. The writers used the same joke again, forgetting they had used it in Spaced.

Because of the timing and the indisputable similarity of the names, the distributors were forced to hold the film back until two weeks after Dawn of the Dead was released in the UK.

When Shaun and the group are running out of Liz's flat they are all carrying weapons of some kind, but only Shaun actually hits any zombies. This was because only the cricket bat that Shaun was carrying was a padded fake, all the other items were real and would have hurt the extras playing zombies if they had been hit with them.

John and Bernie run the Winchester. These are the real names of the landlord and landlady who used to run Simon Pegg's local pub, the Shepherds in Highgate. John used to make toasted sandwiches for regulars, hence the reference to "the Breville out back." Pegg and Nick Frost were regular attendees of the Shepherd's Thursday night quiz, hence the line "we do the quiz" when Shaun is knocking on the Winchester's door. Chris Martin of Coldplay, who plays a zombie in the film, also used to attend quiz night.

At one point, a zombie can be glimpsed wearing a yellow cycling helmet and lycra shorts. He's played by comedian Michael Smiley, who made appearances in Spaced as a bicycle courier named Tyres.

Night of the Living Dead director George A. Romero was given a private viewing of the film near his home in Florida. During the scene in which Ed (Nick Frost) yells into the phone, "We're coming to get you, Barbara," Romero was oblivious to the fact it was a direct lift from his film Night of the Living Dead and only found out later after a phone conversation with director Edgar Wright.

According to writer-director Edgar Wright in the DVD commentary, when Ed attempts to cheer Shaun up at the Winchester with plans of binge drinking, he is actually summarizing the events of the next day (Z-day) entirely in drinking references. "Bloody Mary" - Checkout Girl, "Bite at the king's head" - Phillip, "Couple" - David and Di, "Little Princess" - Liz, "Stagger back" - impersonate zombies, "Bar For Shots" - firing rifle.

The garden scenes were originally a lot longer, featuring a hanged man zombie and a woman being eaten by her own dog (The dog was intended to be played by Spaced's Colin).

Shaun tells Liz that he's going to take her to "the place that does all the fish". When he opens the phone book you can see that the restaurant is literally called 'The Place That Does All the Fish'.

The film was inspired by the Spaced episode "Art", written by Pegg (along with his writing partner and co-star Jessica Stevenson) and directed by Wright, in which the character of Tim (Pegg), under the influence of amphetamine and the PlayStation video game Resident Evil 2, hallucinates that he's fighting off a zombie invasion. Having discovered a mutual appreciation for Romero's Dead trilogy, they decided to write their own zombie movie. Spaced was to be a big influence on the making of Shaun, as it was directed by Wright in a similar style, and featured many of the same cast and crew in minor and major roles (as well as Pegg, Wright and Stevenson, Nick Frost — who played Mike in Spaced — has a starring role in Shaun as Ed, and Peter Serafinowicz and Julia Deakin, who played Duane Benzie and Marsha in Spaced, respectively — appeared in Shaun as Pete and Yvonne's mum, respectively).

The scenes filmed in and around "The Winchester Pub" were shot at The Duke Of Albany in Monson Road New Cross, a three-storey Victorian pub popular with supporters of Millwall F.C. which was converted into luxury flats in 2007.

And now you know!

A Space Zombie Trailer Invasion!

2011-11-30T21:47:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Robert Hood / Avery Guerra

Everyone knows that your deadliest zombies come from outer space as this collection of trailers from two brand-new films will illustrate.

First up is a really cool retro film from Germany of all places. Film maker Martin Faltermeier drew upon B movie craze of the 1950's as the inspiration for his latest film "Zombies From Outer Space." Though the first trailer may look like it, the film is not a remake of "The Sound of Music".

Here is the plot:

Bavaria in the late fifties. One day the life of Maria, a young girl, changes when she stumbles upon the dead body of an woman. Scientist Dr. Robert Hölzlein and the American lieutenant John Welles, stationed in Bavaria, are commissioned to solve what is obviously a murder case. But trouble seems inevitable as both are interested in the beautiful Maria.

As more and more dead women are discovered in the area, along with mysterious sightings of unidentified flying objects, fear and mistrust grows among the inhabitants.

While inspecting a crop circle Lieutenant Welles finds a dead alien, and an autopsy of the strange corpse leads Hölzlein to a terrible conclusion. Too late he discovers the connection between the dead women and the inexplicable UFO visitations. Before he can alert the population, however, undead aliens rise from their tombs beneath crop circles throughout the district, their aim to destroy humanity. Will the two rivals, Robert and John, realise in time that their only chance for survival is to work together?

Das ist gut ya?

Not quite as retro but as equally gonzo is the fourth installment of Ted V. Mikel's "Astro Zombie" franchise "Astro Zombies: Invaders from Cyberspace." It seems that the blood-thirsty zombies from another world weren't too happy that their kinsmen were thwarted by a group of buxom women so they set out to invade the Earth ... starting in Germany.

What is it with Germany?

99 Düsenjäger
Jeder war ein großer Krieger
Hielten sich für Captain Kirk
Das gab ein großes Feuerwerk
Die Nachbarn haben nichts gerafft
Und fühlten sich gleich angemacht
Dabei schoss man am Horizont
Auf 99 Luftballons

Guten Tag!

DANGER 5: THE DIAMOND GIRLS (PART TWO)

2011-11-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

DANGER 5: THE DIAMOND GIRLS - an online series exclusive to YouTube

In their first mission together as a team, Danger 5 must stop the Nazis from stealing the world's largest holding of black diamonds, which are kept in the Swiss World Bank. Seems like a piece of cake... served with gas and punishment.

This really is a slice of fried gold!

"Yes ... wait ... I can definitely smell Germany!"

Of Pissed Off Ewoks, Killer Kong And Alien Anatomy

2011-11-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Dread Central / Tumblr

Thanks to Uncle Creepy over at Dread Central I have new artist that I really dig named Brad McGinty. Not only is he a very talented artist he is quite the humorist as well. His blog on Tumblr reveals that his grandfather was driven to the bottle by a failed greeting card business that he started after WWII with a Japanese artist he shot in combat. Seems that no one likes to see Santa Claus referred to as "American Christmas Devil"... who knew?

McGinty's work ranges from pissed off ewoks and Alien anatomy cross-sections to some really great monster art.

It may not have worked for grandpa but if the younger McGinty went into the card business ... well you all would be getting his Valentine's Day cards in the mail come February.

Check out McGinty's work over at Tumblr - HERE

Two Jet Fighters Chasing A UFO?

2011-11-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Youtube

Anonymous videos like this pop up on Youtube all the time and with the level of computer generated special effects available to just about anyone these days it is hard to tell if a video like this is the real McCoy or a real pile of mule muffins?

There was no description or information of any kind posted with the video but according to a few sites I found ... allegedly... a hiker was enjoying a lakeside stroll, just filming the scenery, when the silence is broken by the sound of jets overhead. What happens next speaks for itself. Two jet fighters either chasing or escorting a UFO.

If it's a fake .... well it's pretty good!

THE LAST DINOSAUR - Did You Know?

2011-11-27T09:21:00.001-08:00

Trivia Compiled By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: IMDB / Wikipedia

If your a child of the 70s, like I am, then you may or may not remember the rubber suited monstrosity known as "The Last Dinosaur." The movie was a Japanese/American co production about a billionaire big-game hunter who discovers an area under the polar ice where time has stood still since the age when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Needless to say the hunter, Maston Thrust (Richard Boone), gathers a rag-tag team together to hunt for the ultimate trophy i.e. the last Tyrannosaurus in existence. As you could imagine old Rex doesn't want to end up a trophy and chases the puny humans around for an hour and a half.

That pretty much sums that up. Here is what you may not know:

This was originally scheduled for theatrical release in the United States. The release was cancelled and the film premiered, in edited form, as a TV-movie on U.S. network television. This edited version became the U.S. version used for television showings and video releases.

The Tyrannosaur was said to be twenty feet high, but when Joan Van Ark is seen running between its legs evasively, the dinosaur is clearly taller.

When Francesca and Hazel are at the river and are attacked by the tyrannosaurus, Francesca's hair is wet, but when she looks up at the dinosaur, her hair is considerably dryer.

The model of the polar-borer capsule has exhaust ports on the rear, but the full-sized version does not.

From the outside, the Bore is noticeably too small to hold five people - it's bigger on the inside shots than the outside.(In other words it's a TARDIS -K)

When hit in the head by a boulder, the tyrannosaurus' head visibly dents and then pops back into shape.

Watch closely during the pre-opening airplane sequence between Maston Thrust and his current girlfriend. During the exchange, Richard Boone clearly reaches both hands forward to grope the breasts of the actress and scores "Two Doubles" (reaching "second base" twice) right before the editor is forced to cut to another shot in hopes that he can get this scene past Standards and Practices. The audacity by Richard Boone is amazing given that this was intended to be a kids popcorn movie. (Hey ... she was hot okay - K)

The score was composed, as was most of the music for all Rankin/Bass specials and series, by Maury Laws, while the title song, with lyrics by Jules Bass, was sung by Nancy Wilson(a Grammy ward winning Jazz vocalist), and arranged and conducted by Bernard Hoffer.

Unlike other bigger budgeted movies that have used state of the art effects (i.e.: Stop Motion, puppets, etc.) for the dinosaurs, this movie uses the cheaper "man in a suit" method, much like the Godzilla movies of the 1960s and 1970s. The "ceratopsian" (Uintatherium), as well as the Triceratops were done through the "two guys in a horse-suit" technique. The scale (size) of the Tyrannosaurus also changes literally from scene to scene, in some cases it appears to be over 40–50 feet tall (when it attacks the borer) and can carry it in its mouth, when the Polar Borer is easily well over 10 feet in diameter. However, they do correctly state in the beginning of the movie that a Tyrannosaurus Rex is 20 feet high and 40 feet long.

The suit of Tyrannosaurus was created by Tsuburaya Production, and was converted from Ururu of Tokusatsu Anime Dinosaur War Aizenborg. Also while the film featured mostly an English speaking cast a Japanese dub was created for the television release in Japan. The Japanese theatrical release as well as the Japanese laser disc used the English voice cast with Japanese subtitles.

And now you know!

The Monter Movie Fans Holiday Gift Guide - Black Friday Edition

2011-11-25T07:06:00.000-08:00

Universal Monsters Select Creature from Black Lagoon Figure

Order Yours HERE For Only $19.99!

Universal Monsters Select Creature from Black Lagoon Figure:

Here's Gill-Man, applying lotion to those hard-to-reach areas!
Figure of The Creature and his swimsuited human crush.
Give the last of the great Universal Monsters a home!
Sculpted by Rudy Garcia with a base by Jean St. Jean.

Universal Monsters Select debuts with the renowned last of the great Universal Monsters, The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Sculpted by Rudy Garcia with a base by Jean St. Jean, this 7-inch scale depiction of the infamous Gill-Man shows the legend in perhaps its most screen-accurate detail ever! Perfect for display, the Select version includes an exclusive paint scheme, as well as a detailed base featuring a full figure of The Creature's swimsuited human crush!

Age: 8+
Size: 7-inches tall

The Creature From The Black Lagoon Film Cell

Order Yours HERE For Only $54.99!

The Creature From The Black Lagoon Film Cell:

The Creature From The Black Lagoon Film Cell. This is an 8-inch by 10-inch print of The Creature from The Creature from the Black Lagoon, alongside a series of 35mm film clips. This item comes in a beautiful black ash effect frame with a stunning sublimated plaque and certificate stating authenticity.

A scientific expedition searching for fossils along the Amazon River discover a prehistoric Gill-Man in the legendary Black Lagoon. The explorers capture the mysterious creature but it breaks free. The Gill-Man returns to kidnap the lovely Kay fiance of one of the expedition with whom it has fallen in love.

Universal Monsters Wolfman Black and White Head Knocker

Order Yours HERE For Only $17.99!

Universal Monsters Wolfman Black and White Head Knocker:

He just loves a full moon!
8-inches tall with a sculpted base.
Be sure to lock him up once a month!

He just loves a full moon! Perched ready to pounce on a sculpted base, and packaged in a 4-color window box, this 8-inch tall bobble head brings you The Wolfman… in black and white. He's a convincing rendering of the monster from the film, and he wants to come home to live with you. But you'll need to lock him up once a month!

Age: 13+

Creepy Archives Volume 2 Hardcover Graphic Novel

Order Yours HERE For Only $49.99!

Creepy Archives Volume 2 Hardcover Graphic Novel:

Vein chilling!
Don't miss a single, terrifying tale!
From the best artists ever to grace the comics medium.
288-pages.

The vein-chilling stories continue! Each Archive Volume of Creepy is packed with frightening tales. (Usually up to 8 short stories were featured in every issue!) They run the gamut of gruesome subject matter, from re-imagined horror classics like "The Cask of Amontillado" to spectacularly mind-twisting shorts such as "The Thing In The Pit" or the macabre, maritime yarn "Drink Deep." This petrifying 2nd volume showcases work by some of the best artists ever to grace the comics medium, including Alex Toth, Gray Morrow, Reed Crandall, John Severin, and others. The 288-page book collects Creepy Issues #6-10. Order yours now so you don't miss a single, terrifying tale!

Universal Monsters Select The Mummy Action Figure

Order Yours HERE For Only $19.99!

Universal Monsters Select The Mummy Action Figure:

Imhotep, at your service!
Detailed The Mummy Action Figure.
A dusty terror from a bygone era!
Classic Universal Monster.

Imhotep, at your service! Dig deep into the sands of antiquity and you, too, will discover Imhotep the Mummy! Sculpted by legendary monster-sculptor Jean St Jean, with the added artistry of Select regular Rudy Garcia (who, like a craftsman of old, sculpted the Mummy's detailed sarcophagus accessory), this is a dusty terror from a bygone era. This Select version includes an exclusive paint scheme, as well as the detailed accessory. The fans have already spoken, hailing this line as the most detailed and accurate depictions of the classic Universal Monsters ever, and this 7-inch tall rendering of the infamous Mummy is proof positive!

Age: 8+
Size: 7-inches tall

Elvira Mistress of the Dark Model Kit

Order Yours Here For $31.99!

Elvira Mistress of the Dark Model Kit:

Your favorite TV hostess and sexy seductress!
Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.
Model kit includes a sofa, base, and accessories!

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. What more needs to be said? Your favorite TV hostess, Cassandra Peterson, is here to entertain you in this 1:8 scale model kit that includes a sofa, base, and accessories! The sexy seductress needs paint and glue for final assembly.

Age: 15+
Size: 1:8 scale
Number of Pieces: 60+

Bride of Frankenstein 2 Bride And Monster Model Kit

Order Yours HERE For Only $44.99!

Bride of Frankenstein 2 Bride And Monster Model Kit:

Together forever!
Classic pose from the Bride of Frankenstein 2 movie!
Build and admire!

This Bride of Frankenstein 2, 2-figure set shows off a classic pose from the film of both Bride and Monster. The model kit measures 1:18 scale, sculpted by fan-favorite Jeff Yagher.

Universal Monsters Select Frankenstein Action Figure

Order Yours HERE For Only $19.99!

Universal Monsters Select Frankenstein Action Figure:

One misunderstood giant… Frankenstein!
Mary Shelley's monster is brought to life!
Specialty market limited edition.
Action figure comes with a detailed lab-table accessory!

The monsters are back again! The award-winning Universal Monsters Select line expands its roster of iconic screen legends with perhaps the most sympathetic creature of them all: Frankenstein's Monster. Sculpted by legendary monster sculptor Gabriel Marquez, this 7-inch tall Frankenstein Action Figure comes with the lab table upon which the monster was given life and from which he rose for the first time. Bring Mary Shelley's monster to life in your home!

The fans have already spoken, hailing this line as the most detailed and accurate depiction of the classic Universal Monsters ever, and this 7-inch interpretation of Frankenstein's Monster is proof-positive of Diamond Select's dedication to bringing these iconic monsters to collectors. The specialty market version includes an exclusive paint scheme, as well as a detailed accessory not available to the mass market! Ages 8 and up.

Age: 8+
Size: 7-inches tall

Universal Monsters Select Dracula Action Figure

Order Yours HERE For Only $19.99!

Universal Monsters Select Dracula Action Figure:

Dracula wants to suck your blood!
Count Dracula with a wolf companion at his side.
This movie-monster action figure is sculpted by legend Gabriel Marquez!
Features a hillside gravesite base.
Comes with a detailed accessory not available in the mass market!

The monsters are back! What better way to expand this award-winning Specialty Market Exclusive action figure line than with the most iconic monster of them all, Count Dracula? This awesome line debuted last year with the legendary Creature from the Black Lagoon and The Mummy. What other monster could possibly match such legendary movie-monster royalty? Dracula, of course! Sculpted by legendary monster sculptor Gabriel Marquez, and featuring a hillside gravesite base, this 7-inch tall depiction of the infamous Count Dracula is ready to spread terror with a wolf companion at his side. The Select version includes an exclusive paint scheme, as well as a detailed Wolf accessory not available to the mass market!

The fans have already spoken, hailing this line as the most detailed and accurate depictions of the classic Universal Monsters ever, and this Count Dracula Action Figure is proof-positive of Diamond Select's dedication to bringing these iconic monsters to collectors. Ages 8 and up.

Age: 8+
Size: 7-inches tall

Dracula Bela Lugosi Model Kit

Order Yours HERE For $23.99!

Dracula Bela Lugosi Model Kit:

A vampire's vampire.
Bela Lugosi is Dracula!
Model kit based on the Broadway version of Dracula.
He wants to drink your blood!

A vampire's vampire. Based on the Broadway version of Dracula that starred Bela Lugosi, the iconic vampire that set the standard for all bloodsuckers who followed, this marvelous 1:8 scale model kit comes with a detailed base that replicates the stage props from the show. Fully licensed by the Lugosi estate, it's one model kit that's fun to build and also provides years of future viewing enjoyment! Ages 15 and up.

Licensed by Bela G. Lugosi. Bela Lugosi as "Broadway's Dracula" is neither owned nor licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC.

Age: 15+
Size: 1:8 scale

A Thanksgiving Movie Poster, Trivia And Trailer Extravaganza!

2011-11-24T07:02:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: IMDB / Wikipedia / Youtube

Happy Thanksgiving monster movie lovers! I know many of you around this great country of ours are getting ready to stuff your faces until you either puke or pass out. Possibly both! I'm right there with ya, I'm looking through my closet large size shirts and elastic waistband pants as we speak ... hmmm .... maybe I should just wear a moo moo like Homer Simpson did?

Enough of my fashion crisis, it's time to get down to the meat and potatoes before we all get down to the meat and potatoes. It's Turkey Day and I've got alot of info here on two of the biggest turkeys you'll ever lay eyes on. I am of course referring to Gappa (The Triphibian Monster ... um ... Monster From A Prehistoric Planet) and the equally gonzo Giant Claw. Two titanic birds that will only rival the one on your diner table.

On Thanksgiving it's all about choices. Turkey or ham? Stuffing or potatoes? Dark meat or white? Ravens or 49ers? Well here at Monster Island News we want to give you all we can so today I have combined our popular "Monstrous Movie Poster", "Movie Trailer" and "Did You Know" features into one giant monster movie cornucopia (or horn of plenty) for you to devour.

First up is Gappa!

History:

Daikyojū Gappa (大巨獣ガッパ, "Gappa, The Colossal Beast") is a 1967 Kaiju film. The film was produced by Nikkatsu Corporation, and was their only foray into the giant monster genre. The foreign sales title for the film was Gappa: The Triphibian Monster, and was dubbed into English (considered the "International Version"). The film was picked up by American International Pictures and released directly to television in the US under their American International Television banner, and retitled Monster from a Prehistoric Planet. This version was one of many films syndicated to broadcasters nationwide by AIP-TV, and became a staple for Horror Hosts on television stations from San Francisco to New York City from the late 1960s through early 1980s.

Did You Know?

There was an urban legend that Nikkatsu's international English prints originally had a racist line, "The monsters are attacking Tokyo. Fortunately they are attacking the Negro section of town." (and that the line was changed). This was untrue.

This film was intended as a lighthearted satire of the daikaiju films of the period. This is one of the reasons the film has come under criticism by many people and kaiju fans. But some of the satire is lost in translated overseas prints.

The film's special effects were provided by Akira Watanabe, who had worked as an art director on many tokusatsu films such as the 1957 Toho sci-fi classic, The Mysterians.

In the Japanese version, the opening credits and ending were accompanied by a Rock & Roll theme song, "Gappa, The Colossal Beast" (the first and second verses, respectively), and the touching reunion scene near the end had a ballad called "Keep Trying, Baby Gappa!". In all overseas prints, the opening and ending songs were replaced with standard orchestral music, and "Keep Trying, Baby Gappa!" was instrumental.

The adult Gappas had a cameo scene in the British comedy/sci fi series Red Dwarf. In episode 6 of series 4, "Meltdown", Arnold Rimmer and Kryten arrive on a planet they will later discover is a giant Waxdroid theme park. After sending the teleporter they used to arrive back to pick up Lister and The Cat, they are forced to flee by the Gappas. Kryten later comments that he's seen more realistic dinosaurs in packets of Wheatie Flakes.

Your Turkey Of A Trailer!

Ready for seconds? Well loosen your belt some more because here comes The Giant Claw!

History:

The Giant Claw is a 1957 science fiction film about a giant bird that terrorizes the world. Produced by Clover Productions under the working title 'Mark of the Claw' and released through Columbia Pictures, it starred Jeff Morrow and Mara Corday, and was directed by Fred F. Sears. The film has been a staple of the bootleg video market with only two official VHS releases (one in the USA through Goodtimes Home Video and the other through Screamtime in the United Kingdom) to date. Columbia Pictures finally released the film officially to DVD in October 2007 as part of the two disc four film set Icons of Horror Collection - Sam Katzman.

Did You Know?

The poster artists were purportedly not shown the puppet nor any other artwork from the film's production and concluded that the monster was a giant eagle or hawk. Thus, the creature in the posters looks nothing like the beast in the film.

Screenwriter Samuel Newman re-used the character name "Dr. Karol Noyman" (here played by Edgar Barrier) for an entirely different character played by John Carradine in the 1959 film Invisible Invaders, which Newman also wrote.

In an interview, star Jeff Morrow said that neither he nor anyone on the film saw the title "monster" until they went to the film's premiere in Morrow's home town. It turned out that producer Sam Katzman had contracted with a low-budget model-maker in Mexico City to construct the "Giant Claw" and no one in the cast or crew had any idea it would come out looking as bizarre and, frankly, laughable as it did. Morrow said that the audience roared with laughter every time the "monster" made an appearance, and he wound up slinking in embarrassment out of the theater before the film was over so that no one who knew him would recognize him.

The producers originally planned to use a stop-motion model created by Ray Harryhausen for the bird. However, due to budgetary limitations they were forced to use a marionette.

A character in the film mistakes the bird for La Carcagne which is alleged in the film to be a monster from French Canadian folklore that resembles a giant woman with a wolf's head and bat-like black wings and which, like the Banshee, is a harbinger of death.

Yes, boys and girls, the monster in this film is a puppet. I know that throughout the history of monster films, puppets have been used very effectively as a cheap alternative to expensive, and time consuming, stop-motion models. Two examples of this are, "The Land That Time Forgot, and the early, "Godzilla" movies. This puppet, however, was not of that quality. This was actually a marionette that looked like it belonged in a "Punch and Judy" show at a carnival.

READ MORE

If you can stomach it ... here is the trailer.

And now if you haven't passed out from titanic trictifan here are some more posters and photos ... sorry no pumpkin pie though:

With these giant turkeys you will have enough left over for sandwiches for a year ... maybe two!

Danger 5: The Diamond Girls (Part One)

2011-11-22T21:58:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Avery Guerra

I'm certain that "Danger 5" will quickly become one of my weekly guilty pleasures. This series has everything including hot chicks, action, a guy with the head of a bald eagle with a British accent, camp, exploding miniature sets and Nazi dinosaurs. What more could you ask for right? Check out the first episode of the series entitled "The Diamond Girls" above!

What is "Danger 5"? Seriously ... where have you been?

Grumble ... here is a brief synopsis to get ya caught up:

Set in a bizarre, 1960’s inspired version of World War II, action comedy series DANGER 5 follows a team of five spies on a mission to kill Hitler. Danger 5 is the finest group of special operatives the allies have to offer; Jackson from the USA, Tucker from Australia, Ilsa from Russia, Claire from Britain and Pierre from Europe. Each episode Danger 5 unravels another of Hitler’s diabolic schemes and travels across a myriad of exotic locations spanning the globe. The action and offbeat humour never relents as Danger 5 mounts a series of thrilling missions which include discovering Josef Mengele’s perverted Antarctic death circus, busting down Erwin Rommel’s golden murder casino and posing as exotic dancers in an attempt to take out Hitler at his own birthday party.

Did I forget to mention Nazi dinosaurs?

KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS - Did You Know?

2011-11-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

Trivia Compiled By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: IMDB / Wikipedia

Movie trivia can be fun and here at Monster Island News we think of ourselves as fun ... and trivial.

Here are a few little items that you may or may not know about the 1977 creepy crawly movie "Kingdom of the Spiders" which starred William Shatner (post Star Trek).

$50,000 of the movie's budget went towards spiders. The producers offered to pay $10 each for live tarantulas, and handlers collected 5,000 of them.

Tiffany Bolling was cast in the female lead role because she was the only actress who auditioned who had no trouble working with spiders.

Donna Mills auditioned for the female lead, but couldn't do it because she was uncomfortable with spiders.

When Rack Hansen and Diane Ashley arrive at Terry's farm, they get out of Rack's truck and close the doors. A moment later when they rush back with Rack's niece, Linda, the truck doors are open.

At Colby's accident site, the deputy tells the sheriff that an eyewitness was a quarter of a mile behind Colby's truck and saw the accident. However, during earlier wide shots of Colby driving, there was nobody as far as the eye could see on the straight highway.

The stunt driver who hits Mayor Conner misjudged his speed and hit the brakes just as he made contact. Instead of the car taking out the mayor and then careening into the water tower, you can see it stop briefly and then accelerate again to get enough speed to take out the water tower.

The large amount of tarantulas kept on-hand led to some unusual production difficulties. Not only did each spider have to be kept warm, but because of the creatures' cannibalistic tendencies, all 5,000 spiders had to be kept in separate containers. Additionally, tarantulas are usually shy around people, so fans and air tubes often had to be used to get the spiders to walk towards their "victims". Indeed, in a number of the scenes where the tarantulas are "attacking" people, it is obvious to the viewer that the spiders are merely moving around, usually away from their intended victims.

Due to the film's low budget, most of the music used in the film (particularly the "startle cues") was taken from the logs of stock music used on suspense TV series. For example, most of the music used in the film during the scenes with the spiders can also be heard in notable episodes of The Twilight Zone, including "To Serve Man" and "The Invaders", as well as in at least one episode of The Fugitive. The country music songs heard on the radio in the movie, as well as over the opening and closing credits, were performed by country singer Dorsey Burnette.

Although Shatner and Bolling were ostensibly the "stars" of the film, many who have seen it (along with the producers) have said that the movie's "great performances" came from the extras (according to Kantor, usually friends and family of the crew) who were required to stay motionless (since they were supposed to be dead) as several live tarantulas crawled all over them.

It is always entertaining to see how the cast from the original "Star Trek" television series tried to move on after the show got the ax. Many of the cast members continued to look for jobs in the industry. DeForest Kelley starred in the giant rabbit flick "Night of the Lepus" and Walter Koenig actually began writing episodes for TV series, including the "The Stranger", which introduced Enik on "Land of the Lost". Nichelle Nichols, Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner all attempted singing careers, the less said about that the better.

William Shatner, who is the star of today's film, continued to get sporadic work, post Trek, most of which were bit parts in made for TV movies and cult films, like "The Devil's Rain". Probably the most notable of all of these, is the 1977 John "Bud" Cardos horror, "Kingdom of the Spiders."

American horror film makers have always had an attraction to insects, both huge and regular sized. While the Japanese were focusing on dinosaurs, there North American counterparts were playing with bugs. Films like "Them!", "The Deadly Mantis" and "Tarantula" did very well in the 1950s and though the trend ebbed somewhat in the 1960s, by the early 1970s things were back in full swing. "The Giant Spider Invasion" and "Food of the Gods" are two examples of how Hollywood tried to recapture the magic of the prior decades.....and failed.

READ MORE

And now you know!

Heavy Metal Meets Cryptozoology In Troglodyte's "Welcome To Boggy Creek"

2011-11-21T22:49:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Neandercore Music

It looks as if the Sasquatch movie craze has crossed over into music! Last week I posted an article featuring Kate Bush's new single "Wild Man" which is about the legendary Yeti, today however I can do you one better. The Kansas City, MO based band Troglodyte not only sing songs about Bigfoot but model their look after the monster as well. Their latest CD, entitled "Welcome To Boggy Creek" as an homage to Charles B. Pierces cult film "The Legend of Boggy Creek", features such tracks as "Symphonies of Sasquatch", "Mummified Yeti Hand", "Bring Me the Head of Bigfoot" and "Skunk Ape Rape."

If you ever wondered what Ministry would sound like with Sasquatch as a front man? ... well that kinda sums up Troglodyte.

Here is the bands bio from their Facebook page:

Formed in 2006, TROGLODYTE draws musical influences from the likes of CARCASS, OBITUARY and ORIGIN also finding inspiration from 70's drive-in horror fare such as THE LEGEND OF BOGGY CREEK, THE PIT and NIGHT OF THE DEMON. The band has craved/slashed out it's own niche as the world's first (and only) Bigfoot death-metal band.

Want to find out more? Visit - http://neandercore.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/troglodyteband

The Day the Earth Stood Still Classic Gort Bobble Head

2011-11-21T22:29:00.001-08:00

Source: Entertainment Earth

The Day the Earth Stood Still Classic Gort Bobble Head:

Sci-fi classics come to head-bobbling life!
Klaatu barada nikto!
Makes a great gift!

This The Day the Earth Stood Still Classic Gort Bobble Head stands approximately 6-inches tall, not including base, shiny arms outstretched and green eye glowing when his head bobbles! Order yours today!

Age: 5+
Size: 6-inches tall

Order Yours From Entertainment Earth For Only $8.00 - HERE

Holiday Sale For Monster Japan Travel Guide

2011-11-21T19:40:00.000-08:00

by Armand Vaquer

Ho! Ho! Ho!

The 2011 holiday season is now upon us. As soon as Halloween ended (maybe even before), the department stores became decked out in Christmas decorations.

Since we are now in the holiday season, I am discounting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan 20% off the cover price, making the cost of the book $12.00. This special offer is direct from me, not from ComiXpress. So if you want the discount, you'll need to order directly from me.

It is the world's only Japan travel guide tailored to fans of Japanese science-fiction and fantasy films.

Additionally, to even make your holiday dollars go even further, the $12.00 price includes shipping & handling! How's that for getting into the Santa spirit?

From today to December 24 (Christmas Eve), you can get The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan for $12.00 total! Orders postmarked within (and including) those dates will get the discount!

The mailing address can be found here (ignore the price listed on the page).

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan makes the perfect stocking stuffer for that kaiju fan in your life (or for yourself)!

None of that "politically correct" "Happy Holidays" stuff around here! Here, we say Merry Christmas!

Godzilla Loves Karaoke?

2011-11-19T22:45:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Remember last week when I talked about movie monster astrological signs and deep emotional feelings?

Well if you really want to see what a typical day in Godzilla's life is like just watch the clip above. It's a classic Japanese TV commercial for a Hitachi VCR.

Who knew Godzilla road the train, shopped at an outdoor market and loves the karaoke? Gosh, he really is just like one of us!

I gotta stop finding this stuff and go to bed.

PEACE!

RODAN - Did You Know?

2011-11-19T22:11:00.001-08:00

Trivia Compiled By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: IMDB / Wikipedia

Here is some trivia about one of my all-time favorite monster movies "Rodan":

The original Japanese film's climactic monster invasion was filmed around, and set in, Fukuoka, the largest city on Japan's southernmost island of Kyushu. However, the American version relocated the action in the dubbing to another city in Kyushu, Sasebo, perhaps concerned that their dubbing actors would sorely mispronounce the word "Fukuoka" at inappropriate moments.

Name of the monster in Japan was "Radon". However, because there was a soap by that name in the United States, when dubbed for the US market, they transposed letters and changed the monster's name to "Rodan".

Veteran writer Ken Kuronuma, who wrote the original story for this film, was inspired by an incident in Kentucky in 1948, when Captain Thomas F. Mantell, a pilot for the Kentucky Air National Guard, died in a crash while allegedly pursuing a UFO. (If you want to know more about that read "Classic UFO Case - UFO Shoots Down Air Force Fighter Over Kentucky?")

When Shigeru and Kashiwagi are in the helicopter searching for Rodan, Kashiwagi is wearing a tie and his head isn't bandaged, but when they go to see the planes bombard Rodan's lair Kashiwagi is no longer wearing a tie and the bandage mysteriously reappears. However, the scene of Kashiwagi and Shigeru in the helicopter was actually from later in the picture and was rearranged by the producers of the American version so that it would make it look as if they were starting the search.

In one scene in the control tower at the Japanese AF Base, background footage of planes on the ground can be seen to pause, then run in reverse.

Among the people doing the voice over work for this film are Paul Frees, Keye Luke and a young George Takei.

While shooting the scene in which Rodan flies over the bridge in Saikai Village in Kyushu, the pulley from which Haruo Nakajima (who played the monster) was suspended broke. He fell from a height of twenty-five feet, but the wings and the water, which was about one and a half feet deep, absorbed much of the impact.

Rodan's original Japanese name, Radon, is actually short for the Japanese word for Pteranodon ("Puteranodon").

The King Brothers' theatrical release of Rodan was quite successful in its first run in the United States. It was the first Japanese movie to receive general release on the West Coast to make a strong showing at the box-office. It later received the biggest TV advertising campaign given to a film to that date on New York's NBC flagship station WRCA-TV, where a series of commercials running 10 to 60 seconds were shown for a week before the film's opening.

It grossed an estimated $450,000 to $500,000 during its opening weekend at 79 theaters in the New York City metropolitan area. Several theatrical circuits, including RKO, announced that Rodan broke the records for a science-fiction film.

And now you know!

UFO Earth Base - Video Update 11/19/11

2011-11-19T20:54:00.000-08:00

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Youtube

It has been a very long time since I posted anything about UFOs so I decided to go trolling through Youtube to see if I could find any decent video evidence. After about an hour or so I found two that seemed legit in a sea of obvious hoaxes and amateur CGI effects work.

The first is of a group of three lights shot during the daytime. Who shot the video? I don't know. Where was it filmed? I don't know.

Looks pretty legit though ...

This second video again comes from anonymous source but from the title of the clip I can ascertain that it was shot over Sacramento, Ca sometime this month (November 2011). I really like the movement of the object being filmed. I doubt that a plane would attempt such maneuvers over a town and helicopters don't fly like that.

What is it? Your guess is as good as mine.

Oh and since you've been very patient in regards to posts about UFOs I have another mysterious vid for you to think about. Bigfoot's head or another fake?