HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY 2020: GLEN OR GLENDA

HAPPY 60TH, PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE!!!

On July 22, 1959, Edward D. Wood Jr.'s "Plan 9 From Outer Space" began its run on a state-by-state basis. Though labeled "Grave Robbers from Outer Space" when filmed in '56 (and having premiered as such to a private party in '57), the rise of "Plan 9" was gradual, having gained cult status more through television (and offbeat time slots) than the big screen. Still, it has become a quirky classic that only its eccentric writer/director could have conceived. 

Its plot is simple, unfurling like a Halloween play that kids have staged in their backyard: Invading aliens resurrect the dead to attack the living.  

Its cast is impressive: Bela Lugosi; Lyle Tablot; Mailia Nurmi (Vampira); Criswell; Tor Johnson; Gregory Walcott; Tom Keene, Mona McKinnon; Dudley Manlove; Bunny Breckinridge; Duke Moore; Joanna Lee; Paul Marco; Conrad Brooks; and as Lugosi's bountiful stand-in, Tom Mason.

The atmosphere is rich and pulpy. Its science-fiction seasoning pervasive, but the movie invokes more so Universal's monster classics and perhaps to a greater degree, their low-budget competitors, like "The Devil Bat" "The Corpse Vanishes" and "Return of the Vampire". It also acts as a forerunner to "Invisible Invaders", "Night of the Living Dead" and a 2015 homage starring "Cinema Insomnia" host, Mister Lobo. 

"Plan 9" is the stuff of mad, giddy nightmares, too often dismissed as uneven and substandard by those whose "stupid minds" can't grasp its grandeur. However, to those of us of superior intellect, it's a childhood favorite that always has and always will command. 

Pay your respects with a view at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln7WF78PolA.  You know you want to...

FILMFAX #154: A NEW FIVE OUNCE TON OF INTELLIGENT FUN!!!

Hot dog!!! To add to our summer fun, Filmfax #154 is now in our eager grasp, with an informative, David Frankham interview.

Frankham starred in such swell productions as "Tales of Terror", "Master of the World", "The Black Sleep", "House of the Seven Gables", "Return of the Fly", "Thriller" and "The Outer Limits". You'll relish his comments on Basil Rathbone, Peter Lorre, Charles Bronson, Roger Corman, Ed Nelson, Patrick MacNee, Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Henry Hull and Vincent and Victoria Price. (Yeah, talk about mega namedropping!!!)

In addition, there's continued coverage on  Pat "Twisted Brain" Cardi, Rad "the Last Sunset" Fulton and exploitation heroes, Herschell Gordon Lewis and Ed Wood. 

We're also treated to more historic, Death Ray details and an in-depth, Fred Grandinetti spread on Popeye's made-for-TV, color cartoons, not to mention those neato "Just for Fun" and "Monsters! Monsters! Everywhere" novelty photos.

Another great issue with page after page crammed with wild, eclectic wonderment...

Get your copy of Filmfax #154 today at your favorite bookshop, kiosk or online source.

FILMFAX #153: A NEW FIVE OUNCE TON OF INTELLIGENT FUN!!!

Check out Filmfax #153: another glorious, nostalgic gem!!! 

Alas, this one was a toughie to seize (even with my subscription in full swing), but well worth the wait, with an engrossing article on revered, science-extrapolation artist, Chesley "Destination Moon" Bonestell (including a fond focus on Douglass M. Stewart Jr.'s documentary tribute, "A Brush with the Future"); and interviews with character-actor idols, Rad Fulton (aka Jim Westmoreland) and Pat "Horror High/"Twisted Brain" Cardi; plus "Monsters! Monsters! Everywhere!"  

There's also inspiring coverage on those handy, movie death rays (Chapter 6, no less); the legendary Stan "the Man" Lee (take that, Bill Maher!); the "Sire of Splatter", Herschell Gordon Lewis; and childlike filmmaker Edward D. Wood Jr.'s frisky fiction.

Snatch a copy of Filmfax #153 while the chance is in view. This one's far too important to forgo.

SO LONG, CONRAD BROOKS...

You were the last remaining of Edward D. Wood Jr.'s cinematic clan, having costarred in "Plan 9 From Outer Space"; "Bride of the Monster"; "Night of the Ghouls"; "Glen or Glenda"; "Jail Bait"; and "The Sinister Urge".

You also made us smile with your special appearances in "Beast of Yucca Flats", which headlined your good buddy, Tor Johnson; "Max Hell: Frog Warrior"; "Toad Warrior"; "A Polish Vampire in Burbank"; "Curse of the Queerwolf"; "Conrad Brooks vs the Werewolf"; "Monster Man"; "Toilet Gator"; "Space Vampires from the Planet Blood"; "Bikini Drive-in"; and of course, the new "Plan 9" (2015), with dear, ol' Mr. Lobo...to name but a few. You also took a stab at directing/producing, gifting us with the "Gypsy Vampire" and "Hillbilly Monster" sagas, in addition to "Blood Slaves of the Vampire Wolf." 

You clearly loved life, Mr. Brooks, which included your adoring fans, who always felt fulfilled and elated after meeting you. May you enjoy your time in eternity with the old gang. I can only imagine all the eccentric wonders you're yet to concoct in the Great Beyond...

SO LONG, GEORGE "THE ANIMAL" STEELE...

You were one of the few professional wrestlers to carry Tor Johnson's towering legacy beyond the ring, faithfully translating it into Tim Burton's "Ed Wood". Your bittersweet interaction with Miss Elizabeth would have made Kong and Ann Darrow envious, but you'll always hold a special spot in the hearts of those who knew your warm humility. Thanks for all the fun and joy you've brought us throughout these many years.