Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Halloween!

 

Video - THE MASK OF SATAN (1989)

This is not the classic Mario Bava film from 1960. This is the film of the same title directed by his son Lamberto Bava for Italian television in 1989. It uses the same story for inspiration but plays out like the third DEMONS movie with lots of possessions, a doomed romantic relationship, some demonic seduction and lots of surreal happenings that cast doubt on everything we are shown. The effects work by Italian master Sergio Stivaletti is pretty great and the cast throws themselves into the madness. This won't be everyone's cup of tea but I enjoy it and wish a Blu-Ray existed.  

DC's Weird War Tales Cover Gallery

 

MARK OF THE VAMPIRE (1935) Poster Art and Publicity Photos

Rewatched this very entertaining film the other night and was reminded of all its fine elements and why so many are frustrated by it. On my first viewing years ago I was peeved by the ending too but I've come to an appreciation of it that makes it a great addition to my annual October horror film watching.
 

Trailers From Hell - CURSE OF THE DEMON (1957)

In this video Joe Dante speaks about one of the finest horror films of the 1950's and, for my money, one of the greatest of all time. Director Jacques Tourneur made several fantastic movies but this is probably the best of his impressive filmography. It is brilliant on nearly every level regardless of where you fall on the wisdom of showing the hideous demon onscreen. 

Tales of the Zombie Cover Gallery

 

The Bloody Pit #204 - REANIMATOR (1985)

REANIMATOR (1985) was a pivotal moment in horror filmmaking for several reasons. First among them is that it announced the arrival of a major talent behind the camera – director Stuart Gordon. His screen career remains a wonder and with this episode we start a series in which we will examine the entirety of his directorial efforts. We might even take a look at the projects that he was involved with but were directed by others.

I am joined by John Hudson to talk about this amazing film. We touch on the original 1922 H.P. Lovecraft story ‘Herbert West – Reanimator’ and the creation of this adaptation starting as a possible television show to eventual big screen incarnation we now know. The cast is discussed with a general amazement at the near perfect choices made for each role. We note that even though this was Gordon’s first feature film, his years of stage experience seems to have allowed him to understand both actors and audience in ways that translate well to cinema. It would be difficult to find a more sure-footed first movie. We talk about the dark humor that permeates the story including what has been called the world’s first visual pun. Mostly we spend our time heaping praise on this one and explaining our love for it so be aware!

If you have any comments thebloodypit@gmail.com is where to send them. We’ll return to the films of Stuart Gordon as soon as possible. Thank you for listening! 

Vintage Halloween Postcards

Swatting away bats and talking to owls used to be how the holiday was celebrated. I guess. 

 

Marvel's 'Monsters on the Prowl' Horror Comics Gallery

Monsters on the Prowl was always a welcome find on the comic book rack.

 

DC's 'House of Mystery' Comic Book Cover Gallery