CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN: ROBERT BLOCH RULES

Ah, the macabre wonders of author, Robert Bloch are rich and plentiful, as Castle of Frankenstein #39 proves. Take a gander at Scott Jackson's psychotic cover, featuring Tony Perkins as Psycho's Norman Bates (and Mother, ha ha) and a clipped shot from William Castle's The Night Walker. It says it all!

Of course, the entire, 128-page issue is packed with dark and sinister wonders, and not just those of the beguiling Bloch. 

There's an extensive article on Arthur Edeson, the amazing cinematographer of Frankenstein 1931 and The Thief of Bagdad 1924, plus a look at the burgomasters of Universal's Frankenstein franchise; The Ghost of Frankenstein (the version that could have been); the Bowery Boys; Jack Pierce; Glenn Strange; George Pal's proposed but abandoned War of the Worlds, television series; alien invaders; Satanic sin-ema; lost, silent wonders; Hollywood ballyhoo; movie reviews; creepy cartoonery; and the latest, Slaymate of the Month.

Order at 

https://www.mymoviemonsters.com/store.php/mymoviemonsters/pd10790199/castle_of_frankenstein_magazine_39___edeson_bloch_warren__latest_issue

 

SCARY MONSTERS #125: MEMORIES FROM THE MAG THAT DRIPPED BLOOD

Scary Monsters #125 holds a Robert Bloch, House that Dripped Blood bent, with Scott Jackson's cover-shot of the Bloch-ian/Amicus anthology's busty Ingrid Pitt to draw us in (accompanied, no less, by an article on Bloch's literary development of Norman Bates). To make Jackson's striking wraparound even more exciting, the rear view is in glorious, blood-tinted 3D, flaunting some fine, related examples, along with a comprehensive essay on the cinematic phenomenon. 

In addition to the aforementioned Bloch and his influential work, this scholarly issue emphasizes authors Ray Bradbury (It Came From Outer Space/Something Wicked This Way Comes), Edgar Rice Burroughs (The Land That Time Forgot/The People That Time Forgot), Robert A. Heinlein (The Puppet Masters/Starship Troopers) and current fantasy trailblazer, Robert Guffey (Bela Lugosi's Dead).

There's also coverage on Richard Matheson's popular Night Stalker sequel, The Night Strangler; The Cat Creature; Island of the Damned; Larry Talbot (and his howling accomplices); '60s Batmania; an Exorcist love letter; the horrifying, real-life H.H. Holmes and (in relation to Bates) Ed Gein; televised monster-movie jubilation; the famous, week-long Realart Film Festivals; and the grand movie palaces that once beamed the best of the best in imagi-entertainment.

Scary Monsters #125 has just the right ingredients to please all horror/science-fiction movie and literary buffs. Get your copy today online or at your favorite book shop.

PSYCHO '60 RETURNS TO THE BIG SCREEN

For sixty years, Alfred Hitchcock's film adaptation of Robert Bloch's "Psycho" has endured as one of the greatest thrillers ever to splatter the silver screen. 

That's because the movie, like Bloch's novel, is rich in atmospheric character, even if the film and book hold their differences (in particular when it comes to the physical semblance of beleaguered Norman Bates). It's all okay, because Hitch's movie (thanks to his taut direction and supreme sense of pacing, backed by Joseph Stefano's crackerjack script) captures the deranged core and sadistic structure of Bloch's Ed Gein-inspired fiction.

Now, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of this groundbreaking, cinematic release, Fathom and TCM (courtesy of Fandango) have re-teamed to show the movie again in theaters, Oct 11 & 12 (at varying times at various venues nationwide).

This big-screen revival is an ideal way to celebrate "Psycho'"s impact on popular culture, and it's not only for the aforementioned reasons. The movie holds a shocking climax; a pulse-pounding Bernard Herrmann soundtrack; a jolting, Saul Bass credits sequence; Edward Hopper-ish ambiance; haunting John L. Russell photography; and an engaging, across-the-board cast: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, John Gavin, Vera Miles, Martin Balsam, John McIntire, Vaughn Taylor, Simon Oakland, John Anderson, Frank Albertson, Mort Mills, Pat Hitchcock and Jeanette Nolan as the voice of Norma Bates, aka Mother. (Even Ted Knight gets a cool cameo.) Every aspect of this one is perfect, which is why "Psycho" is considered one of the irrefutable (and creepiest) creme de la creme.

One might wish to weather the pandemic paranoia and embrace this Paramount (pun intended) presentation. All one needs is a ticket, a mask and a trusty pair of balls, and that's just to get into the theater (wink, wink). From there, Hitch's masterpiece will sever the nerves as it warms the heart with macabre nostalgia. 

"Psycho" is way too good to miss, no matter how many times one has seen it.

HAPPY 60TH, PSYCHO!!!

On September 8, 1960, Alfred Hitchcock's adaptation of Robert Bloch's macabre novel, "Psycho" held its nationwide premiere. Adapted by Joseph "The Outer Limits" Stefano, "Psycho" headlined Janet Leigh, John Gavin, Vera Miles, Martin Balsam and in a career-defining role, Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates.

The production was made with a television crew, and though low-budgeted, "Psycho" brimmed with style and class, abetted by Bernard Hermman's iconic score. 

"Psycho" was such a sensation that it inspired a host of similar films, such as "Homicidal"; "Dementia 13"; "Black Autumn"; and even the ultra-gory "Blood Feast"; in addition to spawning three, official sequels; a remake; a "Twilight Zone"-ish television pilot; the A&E "Bates Motel" cable series; and titles like "Black Christmas"; "Halloween"; and "Friday the 13th".

Beyond a doubt, "Psycho" set the standard for cinematic sadness and madness--and endless, shower-scene scares. It has continued to shine with the test of time and will no doubt continue for as long as the horror genre thrives.