Scream Scene Podcast: Recent Episodes
Scream Scene Podcast
Join our deadicated hosts Sarah and Ben as they review horror movies in chronological order and rank them from best to worst. Updated every Wednesday. Theme music Now I Know by Jared C. Balogh
Join us on a brief but fun side quest with the horror adjacent film THE RAVEN (1963) from Roger Corman! Loosely based off the Edgar Allan Poe poem, and featuring horror icons like Vincent Price, Boris Karloff, and Peter Lorre, the flick is a fun albeit silly time at the movies. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:21; Discussion 31:14
Though nearly overlooked, your deadicated hosts are pleased to share and review EL VAMPIRO SANGRIENTO aka THE BLOODY VAMPIRE (1962)! Written and directed by Miguel Morayta, with its own unique vampire mythology, we find the film interesting, spooky, experimental... but lacking in actually engaging with its own themes. Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 10:14; Discussion 20:42; Ranking 46:15
This week's film features the unlikely combination of sorcery, astronomy, and science fiction! It's EL BARON DEL TERROR (1962) aka THE BRAINIAC from director Chano Urueta! Will the film's producer and star, Abel Salazar, be enough to carry this picture through this genre mix? Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 10:41; Discussion 17:40; Ranking 30:33
Your hosts take over the gossip mill with WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? from 1962, directed by Robert Aldrich! It's a big one, folks, with lots to say about the movie, Davis and Crawford's feud(s), and much more. A content warning about alcoholism for the movie itself, and our discussion.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:15:00; Discussion 1:30:29; Ranking 2:11:24
but does it succeed as a horror movie? Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 38:51; Discussion 45:57; Ranking 1:06:08
Your deadicated hosts encounter a film that appears to be a connecting dot for horror on the road to Romero and Lynch; it's CARNIVAL OF SOULS (1962) from director Herk Harvey, starring Candace Hilligoss! Listen to learn how this cult classic fits within the evolution of horror, and marks a shift toward the rising undead...Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 38:37; Discussion 53:32; Ranking 1:26:39
What do you get when you cross Gothic horror, witchcraft, and sci fi mad science? You get EL ESPEJO DE LA BRUJA (1962) aka THE WITCH'S MIRROR, from director Chano Urueta! The film stars Isabela Corona, Armando Calvo, and Rosita Arenas in this mish-mash hodge-podge of a horror movie. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 10:29; Discussion 21:12; Ranking 34:56
But does that matter when Price, Peter Lorre, and Basil Rathbone get to come together? Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 45:15; Discussion 59:17; Ranking 1:21:46
Have you ever wondered how Italian horror goes from black and white vampire flicks, to the colour-drenched mansion of SUSPIRIA? Director Riccardo Freda shows us the way with L'ORRIBILE SEGRETO DEL DR. HICHCOCK aka THE HORRIBLE DR HICHCOCK (1962)! This colourful Gothic movie includes a haunting, poisoning, and... necrophilia? Yep, it has everything! The film stars Barbara Steele and Robert Flemyng, and has no relation to Alfred Hitchcock. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 18:29; Discussion 28:11; Ranking 48:59
Hammer Horror and Terence Fisher tackle THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1962), but what they deliver is a simplified adaptation, a sympathetic Phantom, and a Joan of Arc opera. At least stars Michael Gough, Edward de Souza, and Herbert Lom seem to be having a good time! Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 42:23; Discussion 55:34; Ranking 1:24:55
Just what the heck is Gregory Peck doing in a horror movie?! We dive in to 1962's CAPE FEAR, directed by J Lee Thompson, and starring Gregory Peck and Robert Mitchum. Plus, we learn about the bet that led to the creation of the original novel, THE EXECUTIONERS, from author John D MacDonald. Please note this episode has a trigger warning for sexual assault and domestic violence, given the content of the book and movie. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 50:27; Discussion 1:06:07; Ranking 1:30:28
The behind-the-scenes story of this movie led us to believe it would be a disaster, but THE CABINET OF CALIGARI (1962) surprises your deadicated hosts! Directed by Roger Kay, written by Robert Bloch of PSYCHO fame, and starring Glynis Johns and Dan O'Herlihy, this remake of THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI faces the catch-22 of balancing name recognition while hiding the twist until the end.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 35:27; Discussion 48:05; Ranking 1:22:50
We encounter the infamous schlock film THE BRAIN THAT WOULDN'T DIE (1962) directed by Joseph Green and starring Virginia Leith and Jason Evers! But what we uncover is a seesaw of excitedly pushing boundaries and falling flat on its disembodied face. That being said, we appreciated watching a movie that had an actual theme: bodily autonomy and consent.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:35; Discussion 27:30; Ranking 52:13
What happens when faced with the question of whether you earned your position based on your own merits, or solely thanks to your wife being a... checks notes a witch?! Your deadicated hosts dive into NIGHT OF THE EAGLE (1962, Hayers), starring the enigmatic Peter Wyngarde, Janet Blair and Margaret Johnston! This movie, also known as BURN, WITCH, BURN! for it's American release, adapts the famous novel CONJURE WIFE by Fritz Leiber.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 48:45; Discussion 1:03:32; Ranking 1:30:16
Happy new year! We ring in 2026 with 1962's HANDS OF A STRANGER, written, produced and directed by Newt Arnold! This unofficial Hands of Orlac adaptation turns the emotions to 11 for its cast to chew the scenery like you've never seen. Starring Paul Lukather, Joan Harvey and James Stapleton.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 26:36; Discussion 41:20; Ranking 1:02:53
We're excited to make our way to Egypt for the country's first horror film! It's AL QASR AL MAL'OUN aka THE CURSED PALACE from 1962 and director Hassan Reda! This old dark house flick brings together horror and giallo tropes into a unique, though a little old fashioned, story. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 37:50; Discussion 49:08; Ranking 58:53
Sometimes you come across a movie that's just a little unfortunate. Maybe it needed another rewrite. Maybe it needed a more experienced director. In any case, our monster here is... just a guy with a skin condition... It's HAND OF DEATH (1962, Nelson) starring John Agar as our guy! ...at least the music by Sonny Burke is good? Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 26:05; Discussion 35:46; Discussion 49:07
Ahh yes, the classic question: Horror or thriller? We ask this as we watch THE COUCH (1962) from director Owen Crump! The film stars Grant Williams, Shirley Knight, and Onslow Stevens, with a screenplay by PSYCHO author Robert Bloch. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 14:54; Discussion 23:19; Ranking 50:09
Your hosts travel to Spain for the first Spanish horror film! GRITOS EN LA NOCHE aka SCREAMS IN THE NIGHT aka L'HORRIBLE DOCTEUR ORLOFF aka THE AWFUL DR. ORLOFF comes from Spanish director Jesús Franco as he maps his DARK EYES OF LONDON fanfic on to an EYES WITHOUT A FACE rip-off. But how does he balance delivering exposition versus exploitation through the female form? Well, just make different edits of the movie!We also give context on Francoist Spain and why we're only seeing a Spanish horror movie in the 1960s. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 57:20; Discussion 1:12:08; Ranking 1:29:33
Look, it's not that we don't like Ray Milland. He's just a little... milquetoast? That being said, your deadicated hosts did enjoy him in Roger Corman's THE PREMATURE BURIAL (1962)! In this week's episode, we talk about Edgar Allan Poe's short story, the fear of being buried alive, and the pettiness of American International Pictures when dealing with Roger Corman. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 29:42; Discussion 43:50; Ranking 1:00:02
From b-movie writer/director Roberto Mauri comes LA STRAGE DEI VAMPIRI (1962), aka Slaughter of the Vampires, aka Curse of the Blood Ghouls! This Italian horror borrows much from Dracula, but still manages to show off aesthetically -- in both cinematography and its female stars. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 8:24; Discussion 16:52; Ranking 33:39
Larry "schlockmeister" Buchanan directs, writes and edits THE NAKED WITCH (1961)! Your deadicated hosts aren't sure what to make of this exploitation flick, but they can at least agree it's an interesting artifact of early American folk horror! The film stars Libby Hall, Robert Short and Jo Maryman. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 18:14; Discussion 28:35; Ranking 46:28
The 1960s saw a range of different anxieties, from nuclear annihilation to the terror of teen street gangs. This week, we watch a film that brings these anxieties together in THE DAMNED (1961, Losey)! Adapted from H.L. Lawrence's novel THE CHILDREN OF LIGHT (1960), Hammer Horror tries to make their own VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED, unfortunately while relying on a director and writer more interested in philosophical ideas...Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 39:17; Discussion 1:02:08; Ranking 1:29:17
This week, your deadicated hosts cover the classic Gothic novel Henry James' THE TURN OF THE SCREW, and its film adaptation THE INNOCENTS (1961)! We discuss director Jack Clayton, the incredible cinematography from Freddie Francis, and how to turn a vague novel into a cohesive film. The film stars Deborah Kerr, Peter Wyngarde, Megs Jenkins, Michael Redgrave, Pamela Franklin and Martin Stephens.It's a biggie of an episode! Will your hosts reveal themselves as apparitionists or non-apparitionists? The one thing we definitely agree on: Miss Giddens is not okay!Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:10:12; Discussion 1:27:04; Ranking 2:12:50
Is it horror? Thriller? Film noir, or maybe giallo? We discuss the intricacies of LYCANTHROPUS (1961) aka WEREWOLF IN A GIRLS' DORMITORY from director Paolo Heusch! At the very least, we have a werewolf mystery on our hands...Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 13:34; Discussion 24:31; Ranking 36:59
From director Tai Kato before his career of yakuza films comes 1961's KAIDAN OIWA NO BOREI, the latest adaptation of YOTSUYA KAIDAN! Starring Tomisaburō Wakayama as Iemon, Yoshiko Fujishiro as Oiwa, Hiroko Sakuramachi as Osode, and introducing Jūshirō Konoe as Naosuke, is a return to a more detailed version of this ghost story conducive to horror? Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 28:02; Discussion 47:54; Ranking 1:10:00
A vampire's blood feud; a demonic cult; avant garde piano... with these ingredients we get EL MUNDO DE LOS VAMPIROS (1961) from director Alfonso Corona Blake! Which unfortunately, is just another vampire movie. The film stars Guillermo Murray, Mauricio Garcés and Erna Martha Bauman.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 10:34; Discussion 26:10; Ranking 39:40
What happens when you mix psychiatry, addiction metaphors, surrealism and electronic music? The first Canadian horror movie and full length 3D fiction film, THE MASK (1961)! The film comes from director Julian Roffman and stars Paul Stevens and Claudette Nevins. Hear about the origins of Canadian film, LSD usage in psychiatry, and more! Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 54:50; Discussion 1:08:10; Ranking 1:35:44
William Castle with two wolves inside him: One wants to shock and frighten his audience, and the other wants them to have a good time. In the case of MR. SARDONICUS (1961), he struggles to accomplish either one! Despite this, there are things your deadicated hosts find to praise and discuss! Enjoy our coverage of Castle's second entry in 1961, starring Ronald Lewis, Audrey Dalton and Guy Rolfe. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 24:16; Discussion 39:16; Ranking 1:04:54
Your deadicated hosts travel to Mexico to introduce you to LA MARCA DEL MUERTO (1961, Cortés), a gothic sci-fi horror flick that stars leading man Fernando Casanova in dual roles! The film also stars Sonia Furió and features cinematography by José Ortiz Ramos.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:06; Discussion 24:52; Ranking 38:46
These teens are being hunted! Can they survive... the hunter's BLOODLUST?! We find out in this 1961 adaptation of Richard Connell's THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME, from writer/producer/director Ralph Brooke. The film stars Wilton Graff, Robert Reed, June Kenney and Gene Persson.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 26:40; Discussion 37:44; Ranking 49:34
Mix witches with vague voodoo and you get THE DEVIL'S HAND (1961) from director William J. Hole Jr. Starring Linda Christian, Robert Alda, Ariadna Welter and Neil Hamilton, even a competent cast can't save this picture. Yet, there might be something worthwhile pulling the film in certain directions... maybe?Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 19:30; Discussion 30:32; 52:54
Roger Corman tasks Richard Matheson with expanding Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Pit and the Pendulum" into a feature length film... do they succeed?? Vincent Price, John Kerr, Barbara Steele and Luana Anders star in PIT AND THE PENDULUM (1961, Corman)!Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 31:56; Discussion 41:51; Ranking 1:13:41
Like a snake eating its own tail, William Castle presents HOMICIDAL (1961), his take on Hitchcock's PSYCHO (1960), which was Hitchcock's take on Castle's gimmick approach to horror! With twists and turns throughout the movie, your deadicated hosts do their best to avoid spoilers until the synopsis. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 21:24; Discussion 40:18; Ranking 1:40:20And to be completely clear, trans rights are human rights!
Would you still love me if I was a mermaid? With that as the central question, your hosts tackle NIGHT TIDE (1961) from writer/director Curtis Harrington! The film takes inspiration from William Hope Hodgson and Edgar Allan Poe, and stars Dennis Hopper, Linda Lawson and Gavin Muir.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 36:30; Discussion 48:34; Ranking 1:20:26
A female-led psychological horror movie in black and white? What is this, 1940's RKO? Nope, it's the latest from Hammer Film! Director Seth Holt takes on Jimmy Sangster's gothic thriller script for TASTE OF FEAR (1961) and magic is truly made! The film stars Susan Strasberg, Ronald Lewis, Ann Todd and Christopher Lee. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:46; Discussion 35:54; Ranking 1:07:08
Your hosts travel to Nevada for THE BEAST OF YUCCA FLATS (1961), directed by Coleman Francis and starring Tor Johnson! But does this indie horror land more towards Ed Wood charm or W. Lee Wilder incompetence? While we decide, we share facts about the Nevada Test Site, nuclear experiments and John Wayne's 1956 film THE CONQUEROR. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:20; Discussion 35:42; Ranking 45:08
If your beloved pet cat witnessed your murder... would it take revenge on your behalf? In THE SHADOW OF THE CAT (1961), the answer is YES! This latest entry from Hammer Productions is directed by John Gilling and stars Andre Morell, Barbara Shelley, William Lucas and Bunkie as Tabitha the cat!Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 10:44; Discussion 18:00; Ranking 32:40
At last, your deadicated hosts make it to the first werewolf picture in colour: it's THE CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF (1961) from Terence Fisher! Starring Oliver Reed and adapting Guy Endore's THE WEREWOLF OF PARIS (1933), how does the film's lycanthropy stack up against the tried-and-true formula in past iterations?Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 44:28; Discussion 58:14; Ranking 1:25:52
With THE SNAKE WOMAN (1961), director Sidney Furie reminds us that the past isn't always better and the content-entertainment-churning machine has been hard at work since the beginning. The film stars Susan Travers, John McCarthy and Elsie Wagstaff, and includes a surprising amount of accurate snake facts! Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:28; Discussion 27:08; Ranking 45:02
From Canadian director Sidney J Furie comes DOCTOR BLOOD'S COFFIN (1961), a British horror film... in colour?! The film stars Kieron Moore, Hazel Court and Ian Hunter in a typical mad scientist plot with a thriller/rom-com spin. Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:53; Discussion 24:30; Ranking 42:51
Welcome to 1961! For our first film of the year, we cover the very first zombie movie in colour... THE DEAD ONE! From writer/director Barry Mahon, this voodoo zombie movie takes place on a Louisianan plantation, but will it mine the full depth of the horror available?Edited to add: A listener let us know the original upload of this episode lost the last few minutes, so we've re-uploaded as of Dec 28!Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 44:06; Discussion 51:04; Ranking 1:10:06
We fast-forward through all THE TELL-TALE HEART adaptations over the decades to find ourselves at the 1960 version from director Ernest Morris! With an expanded story, will this adaptation keep you awake at night or wither beneath the floorboards? Starring Laurence Payne, Adrienne Corri and Dermot Walsh.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 24:49; Discussion 35:32; Ranking 53:01
Your hosts take a trip back in time to 1934 for Brian Desmond Hurst's adaptation of THE TELL-TALE HEART! We give a brief biography of Edgar Allan Poe and determine how this '30s indie film fairs on The List.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 21:57; Discussion 29:24; Ranking 38:38
From director Edmond Gréville comes THE HANDS OF ORLAC (1960)! Starring Mel Ferrer, Christopher Lee, Lucile Saint-Simon and Dany Carrel, will this British and French co-production be the best adaptation of the Maurice Renard novel yet?Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 17:12; Discussion 33:57; Ranking 55:28
Happy Halloween, Creatures of the Night! Let us take you to Italy for L'ULTIMA PREDA DEL VAMPIRO aka THE PLAYGIRLS AND THE VAMPIRE (1960) from director Piero Regnoli! Is this mix of classic Universal tropes charming or old fashioned? Let's find out! Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 10:24; Discussion 18:40; Ranking 26:47
A domestic horror or a gothic melodrama? Why not both! It's THE HOUSEMAID (1960, Kim) aka HANYEO, Korea's first horror movie!Dealing with social commentary about Korea's changing class and addressing women's sexual desires, this is a one-of-a-kind movie.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 38:45; Discussion 55:06; Ranking 1:21:07
And we're back! After an unexpected hiatus, we're excited to kick off our return with THE TWO FACES OF DR. JEKYLL (1960) directed by Terence Fisher and starring Paul Massie, Dawn Addams and Christopher Lee. Thank you for your patience!Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 50:56; Discussion 1:05:25; Ranking 1:44:58
Director Bert I. Gordon finally makes an appearance on the podcast with TORMENTED (1960)! Taking a break from his "Thing Big" schtick, Gordon takes on a ghost story that stars Richard Carlson, Juli Reding and Susan Gordon.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 21:16; Discussion 34:28; Ranking 50:42
Let's meander down Skid Row for the horror adjacent Roger Corman flick THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (1960)! Your hosts discuss this movie's placement in Corman's filmography, and the pros and cons of filming an entire movie over a weekend.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 36:10; Discussion 48:48
Your hosts encounter the 1960 "erotic horror" film ET MOURIR DE PLAISIR (LE SANG ET LA ROSE) aka AND DIE OF PLEASURE (BLOOD AND ROSES) from director Roger Vadim! But where's the horror? More importantly, where's the eroticism??Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 34:02; Discussion 44:20; Ranking 1:10:42
Your hosts encounter a film often overlooked... it's THE CITY OF THE DEAD (1960) aka HORROR HOTEL directed by John Llewellyn Moxey!Designed to compete with Hammer Horror, this proto-Amicus Productions film stars Christopher Lee, Patricia Jessel, Venetia Stevenson and Betta St. John.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 17:02; Discussion 30:42; Ranking 55:04
From Italian director Giorgio Ferroni comes the Gothic film IL MULINO DELLE DONNE DI PIETRA aka MILL OF THE STONE WOMEN (1960)... in COLOUR! The film stars Pierre Brice, Scilla Gabel, Wolfgang Preiss and Herbert Bohme.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 18:22; Discussion 29:57; Ranking 50:35
Continuing their time in Italy, your deadicated hosts encounter SEDDOK, L'EREDE DI SATANA aka ATOM AGE VAMPIRE (1960) from director Anton Giulio Majano!Designed to cash in on Mario Bava's success, this horror flick doesn't have much going for it...not to mention the gorilla on the loose!Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 8:28; Discussion 18:23; Ranking 32:41
Your deadicated hosts cover the directorial "debut" of Mario Bava, LA MASCHERA DEL DEMONIO aka THE MASK OF SATAN aka BLACK SUNDAY!Starring Barbara Steele and John Richardson, we detail the different screenplays and film releases available out there.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 57:12; Discussion 1:15:05; Ranking 1:37:01
Your hosts peek through "Illusion-O" glasses to review 13 GHOSTS (1960) from William Castle! This spoopy children's horror stars Donald Woods, Charles Herbert and Martin Milner.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 13:28; Discussion 27:33; Ranking 38:28
Celebrating episode 300, your deadicated hosts travel to Japan for Nobuo Nakagawa's masterpiece JIGOKU (1960)! The film stars Shigeru Amachi, Yoichi Numata and Utako Mitsuya.Your hosts discuss nihilism, Buddhism, gore and more in this landmark episode.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 36:08; Discussion 49:48; Ranking 1:22:57
Universal tries to copy Roger Corman with THE LEECH WOMAN (1960) directed by Edward Dein and starring Coleen Grey, Grant Williams, Phillip Terry and Gloria Talbot.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 14:00; Discussion 23:18; Ranking 36:28
Hammer Horror tries to strike Gothic gold again with THE BRIDES OF DRACULA (1960, Fisher)!
With three different writers, the film's seams show despite the heavy lifting from stars Peter Cushing, Yvonne Monlaur and David Peel.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:59; Discussion 33:47; Ranking 57:12
Give Roger Corman more money and time to make a movie, and he goes FULLY RESPECTABLE!! It's THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (1960) starring Vincent Price, Mark Damon and Myrna Fahey!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 35:22; Discussion 42:50; Ranking 1:06:40
Brick wall... Brick Wall... BRICK WALL!! This week we cover VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED (1960) from director Wolf Rilla!
Adapted from the John Wyndham novel The Midwich Cuckoos, we discuss this evil children horror starring George Sanders, Barbara Shelley and Martin Stephens.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 42:11; Discussion 50:41; Ranking 1:22:21
Anthony Perkins. Janet Leigh. Alfred Hitchcock. It's 1960's PSYCHO! In a nearly three hour long episode, your hosts dig into the novel, its film adaptation, and how everything changes after PSYCHO's release.
General content warning for discussion of transphobia, violence against women, psychosis, serial killers and cannibalism.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 40:23-44:30; Discussion 1:38:02; Ranking 2:32:39
The Italians try their hand at combining horror and sex appeal... and win?! It's L'AMANTE DEL VAMPIRO (1960) aka THE VAMPIRE AND THE BALLERINA from director Renato Polselli! We got castles, we got vampires, we got toxic relationships -- it's a Gothic horror!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 10:52; Discussion 21:44; Ranking 36:39
Your hosts travel to West Germany for EIN TOTER HING IM NETZ aka THE CORPSE IN THE WEB (1960) from director Fritz Böttger! This "nudie" horror film offers an early attempt at bridging sex appeal and horror, but is not necessarily successful at it.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:00; Discussion 16:48; Ranking 31:05
Completing Anglo-Amalgamated Production's "Sadian trilogy," it's CIRCUS OF HORRORS (1960) from director Sidney Hayers! Starring Anton Diffring, Jane Hylton, Kenneth Griffith and Erika Remberg, this film makes your hosts wonder... what's up with circuses?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 13:42; Discussion 24:01; Ranking 39:42
Your hosts take on CLUE (1985, Landis) for their last monthly horror adjacent bonus episode - the movie based on the game based on old cozy mystery thrillers! We run down the stellar cast and explain the board game's history.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 46:40; Discussion 56:15
Lasting less than a week in theatres when first released, it's PEEPING TOM (1960), a horror that nearly ruined its director Michael Powell's career!
Written by Leo Marks and starring Carl Boehm, Anna Massey, Moira Shearer and Maxine Audley, the film digs into its themes of observation and voyeurism and doesn't let up.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 42:27; Discussion 54:54; Ranking 1:28:16
Larry Talbot returns for LA CASA DEL TERROR (1960)!
Lon Chaney Jr reprises a legally-distinct-from-Universal Wolf Man in this Mexican horror movie starring comedian Tin-Tan, Yolanda Varela, Rafael Estrada and Yerye Beirute, directed by Gilberto Martinez Solares.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:54; Discussion 18:11; Ranking 27:14
It's been a long time since your hosts have travelled to France! This week we cover LES YEUX SANS VISAGE (1960) aka EYES WITHOUT A FACE from director Georges Franju!
Based on the Jean Redon novel, the film stars Pierre Brasseur, Alida Valli and Édith Scob. It delivers French New Wave horror while keeping you at arm's length -- but will that work in it's favour?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:26; Discussion 35:33; Ranking 57:43
For our 23rd horror adjacent episode, it's ZOMBIES ON BROADWAY (1945)! Directed by Gordon Douglas, the film stars the knock-off Abbott and Costello duo of Alan Carney and Wally Brown, and features a great performance from Bela Lugosi!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 13:13; Discussion 19:24
Beware of the eye! Filmed in the exclusive HYPNOMAGIC, it's THE HYPNOTIC EYE (1960) from director George Blair! Imagined by a photographer who later became a true crime enthusiast, the film stars Jacques Bergerac, Allison Hayes, Marcia Henderson, and Joe Patridge.A warning for anyone watching THE HYPNOTIC EYE, there are frequent flashing lights right at the camera. It's also very very not good.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 33:48; Discussion 53:33; Ranking 1:06:29
Your deadicated hosts enter 1960 with a bang! It's THE FLESH AND THE FIENDS from director John Gilling, a Burke and Hare true crime movie starring Peter Cushing, George Rose and Donald Pleasence!Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 25:59; Discussion 36:19; Ranking 59:36
Your deadicated hosts close out 1959 with TERROR IS A MAN, the very first Filipino horror movie!Directed by Gerardo de Leon and Eddie Romero, this Dr. Moreau adaptation feels more Tennessee Williams than H.G. Wells.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 33:22; Discussion 42:40; Ranking 59:12
Hammer Film Productions tries to update the play THE MAN IN HALF MOON STREET by Barré Lyndon, with mixed results. Take a listen to hear what we liked and didn't about 1959's THE MAN WHO COULD CHEAT DEATH (Fisher)!Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 22:30; Discussion 32:19; Ranking 46:04
It's Abbott and Costello... take two!This month's horror adjacent episode is on ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE INVISIBLE MAN (1951, Lamont) featuring the titular duo with Arthur Franz and Nancy Guild! It's a cross of THE INVISIBLE MAN and ROCKY, so what's not to like?Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 26:05; Discussion 29:39
From Roger Corman's Filmgroup, it's BEAST FROM HAUNTED CAVE (1959), directed by Monte Hellman (what a name!) and starring Michael Forest, Frank Wolff, Sheila Noonan, Wally Campo and Richard Sinatra.Have you ever wondered what KEY LARGO would be like, but in South Dakota and with a monster? Better strap in then!Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 20:56; Discussion 31:12; Ranking 46:02
Buzz buzz, here comes THE WASP WOMAN (1959) from Roger Corman himself! The film stars Susan Cabot, Michael Mark, Fred Eisley, Barboura Morris and William Roerick.We discuss wasp facts, the history of cosmetics, and Susan Cabot's sad biography in this episode, so there's plenty to chew on.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 26:32; Discussion 43:57; Ranking 1:04:30
Let us share some leech facts to prepare you for ATTACK OF THE GIANT LEECHES (1959) from director Bernard L. Kowalski and starring Ken Clark, Yvette Vickers and Bruno VeSota!Everyone is a terrible person in this barely horror creature feature.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 18:53; Discussion 24:34; Ranking 38:32
It's us versus THEM! (1954, Douglas) Your deadicated hosts tackle the first big bug classic as part of their horror adjacent bonus episode series.We cover nuclear testing on US soil through the '50s, how they created the ants' iconic sound, and why this movie isn't horror (according to us!)Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 45:34; Discussion 51:53
Roger Corman plans his horror return with A BUCKET OF BLOOD (1959) starring Dick Miller and Barboura Morris! This MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM remake brings in the scariest beastie of them all... Beatniks!Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 44:11; Discussion 58:26; Ranking 1:16:19
Your hosts tackle EL HOMBRE Y EL MONSTRUO (1959) from Rafael Baledón, starring Abel Salazar, Enrique Rambal, Martha Roth and Ofelia Guilmain!The alternative title for this episode was "A Gothic heroine who also happens to look exactly like the mysterious woman in the portrait" but it was too long!Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 8:59; Discussion 24:12; Ranking 36:54
What's up Doc? It's time for February's horror adjacent bonus episode! This month we take a look at HAIR-RAISING HARE (1946) from Chuck Jones and starring Mel Blanc as Bugs Bunny!We trace the origins of Warner Bros' Merrie Melodies back to Disney's Silly Symphonies and highlight a few of the people who made these cartoons possible.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 52:50; Discussion 56:47
Coming to you from multiple dimensions, it's 4D MAN (Yeaworth 1959)! From the creative team behind 1958's THE BLOB, the film stars Robert Lansing, Lee Meriwether and James Congdon.But will this just be another case of sci fi masquerading as horror?Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 21:42; Discussion 36:04; Ranking 55:05
Your hosts are incredibly excited for the next highly anticipated horror from Hammer Film Productions... it's THE MUMMY (1959) from director Terence Fisher, writer Jimmy Sangster, and starring Peter Cushing, Christoper Lee and George Pastell!Will these legends of horror continue with their winning streak, or will the mummy's curse of tepid horror strike again?Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 33:35; Discussion 46:48; Ranking 1:13:36
Your hosts briefly bounce back to 1958 for THE HIDEOUS SUN DEMON produced, directed, cowritten and starring Robert Clarke!What happens when an actor hires film students to make a monster movie to cash in on the horror craze? Well sometimes, trash turns out to be good.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:37; Discussion 26:54; Ranking 38:25
It's time for the horror adjacent bonus episode! This month, we look into DEATH BECOMES HER (1992) from director Robert Zemeckis and starring Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis!This camp black comedy shows us yet again that less is more...Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:05:59; Discussion 1:16:15
Third time's the charm... your hosts tackle THE BAT (1959, Wilbur), a remake of the 1926 silent film and of the 1930 sound version.This time 'round, we have Vincent Price, Agnes Moorehead and Gavin Gordon starring, but will it make a difference for this old fashioned flick?THE BAT (1926, West) was previously covered in Episode 16.THE BAT WHISPERS (1930, West) was previously covered in Episode 23.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 28:24; Discussion 41:18; Ranking 57:10
This week, your hosts watch CALTIKI, IL MOSTRO IMMORTALE (1959) from director Robert Hamton or maybe Riccardo Freda or possibly Mario Bava!In any case, it stars John Merivale and Gérard Herter in a blob-inspired Italian horror movie.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 20:19; Discussion 33:14; Ranking 47:22
Coming to you in Percepto! It's THE TINGLER (1959) from William Castle! Starring Vincent Price, Judith Evelyn and Philip Coolidge, plus more gimmicks than you can shake a stick at, the film is Castle's third horror... can he keep up his quality of work?The special music you hear in this episode is from creature of the night Chris Crewe and his band the Special Agents! You can find their music here: https://thespecialagents.bandcamp.com/Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 35:52; Discussion 47:04; Ranking 1:11:18
We've received an appeal for 1958's ONNA KYÛKETSUKI aka LADY VAMPIRE directed by Nobuo Nakagawa!With additional context around the westernization of public displays of affection in Japan, we reconsider where this film was originally ranked.Find the full list of ranked films at screamscenepodcast.com
It's a Tim Burton Christmas with 1993's THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS, directed by Henry Selick!Your hosts cover the life and times of Danny Elfman, the making of NIGHTMARE and even dig into what death of the author actually means.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 50:01; Discussion 56:32
Your hosts travel to West Germany for DIE NACKTE UND DER SATAN (1959) from writer/director Victor Trivas!What's been happening in Germany since our last horror movie there in 1936? Is there cultural significance to our villain having blonde hair and blue eyes? Listen and find out!Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 39:19; Discussion 52:11; Ranking 1:13:56
Hand puppets, shrew facts, racism... it's THE KILLER SHREWS (1959) directed by Ray Kellogg! Produced by Ken Curtis and Gordon McLendon, this regionally produced film made over one million dollars -- so it has to be good... right?Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:31; Discussion 34:31; Ranking 51:41
Take a peek into the "real life" Black Museum at Scotland Yard with HORRORS OF THE BLACK MUSEUM (1959), from director Arthur Crabtree and starring Michael Gough!Filmed in hypnovista, this unique British/American production showcases sadism and true crime instead of something supernatural.Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 25:28; Discussion 39:23; Ranking 54:02
For November's horror adjacent bonus episode, your deadicated hosts tackle OVER THE GARDEN WALL (2014), the Cartoon Network miniseries created by Patrick McHale and starring Elijah Wood, Collin Dean, Melanie Lynskey and Christopher Lloyd!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 37:10; Discussion 57:12
All the way from the carboniferous period, it's THE MONSTER OF PIEDRAS BLANCAS (1959)!
Directed by Irvin Berwick, this flick is made up of Universal Pictures' laid off staff and disgruntled workers on a CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON template.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 12:56; Discussion 29:48; Ranking 43:34
Hello dear Creatures of the Night, this week got away from us.
In lieu of our regular episode, I’ve prepared a spooky music playlist that I hope will delight: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0KeFTGk9fHaNtCvXNL6IFW?si=043539c0ae5f448d
We’ll be back next Wednesday night!
If you had a traumatic past that was repressed in your memory, would you want to be told? From director Roy Del Ruth comes THE ALLIGATOR PEOPLE (1959), starring Beverly Garland, Richard Crane and Lon Chaney Jr!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 14:57; Discussion 27:41; Ranking 47:31
Sequels have to walk a tightrope of meeting expectations set by the original while offering more than a rehash of the same plot. Your deadicated hosts see how RETURN OF THE FLY (1959, Bernds) fares with this balancing act!
The films stars Brett Halsey, David Frankham and, returning from the original, Vincent Price.
Editor's Note: Throughout the episode, Ben mistakenly says "Bill Nye" when describing the make up effects. Bill Nye is the science guy; Ben meant to refer to Ben Nye, the head of make up at 20th Century Fox at the time of this film. Apologies!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:35; Discussion 25:18; Ranking 38:06
A special Halloween horror-adjacent bonus episode!
This month, your hosts cover THE ADVENTURES OF ICHABOD AND MR. TOAD (1949) from directors James Algar, Clyde Geronimi and Jack Kinney. We cover Disney studios, the development of its animation, and why ICHABOD isn't as good as you wish!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 55:04; Discussion 58:44
A monster by any other name would spook as sweet... it's THE MANSTER (1959) aka SŌTŌ NO SATSUJINKI aka THE SPLIT from directors George Breakston and Kenneth G. Crane!
An American/Japanese co-production, this schlocky-titled film is anything but as it tackles themes of masculinity and alcoholism.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 10:15; Discussion 29:07; Ranking 45:17
It is yet another TOKAIDO YOTSUYA KAIDAN (1959), but this time from experienced horror director Nobuo Nakagawa!
Balancing a return to its kabuki roots with a forward-looking use of colour and surrealism, this horror takes your hosts by storm! The film stars Shigeru Amachi, Katsuko Wakasugi and Shuntaro Emi.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 28:53; Discussion 44:01; Ranking 1:00:54
Kinbei, how could you do this to me?! Your deadicated hosts watch KAIDAN KAGAMI-GA-FUCHI (1959), the difficult-to-obtain horror from director Masaki Mori! The film stars Shôzaburô Date, Jôji Ôhara and Reiko Seto.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 8:58; Discussion 17:58; Ranking 26:47
From director Kenji Misumi and starring the prolific actor Kazuo Hasegawa comes YOTSUYA KAIDAN (1959)!
This adaptation of the iconic kabuki play offers a unique remix of classic moments, but at what point do we lose the original intent of those scenes?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 32:15; Discussion 44:26; Ranking 53:48
You'll never see it coming! It's INVISIBLE INVADERS (1959) from producer Robert E. Kent and director Edward L. Cahn!
Starring John Agar, Philip Tonge, John Carradine and Robert Hutton, what moral imperatives will this DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL-rip off impart?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 10:37; Discussion 25:21; Ranking 37:07
The infamous lost film arrives on the podcast with September's bonus horror adjacent episode.
This month we watch a reconstruction of Tod Browning's LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT (1927) by producer Rick Schmidlin! The film stars Man of a Thousand Faces Lon Chaney in one of his most iconic disguises.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 36:31; Discussion 50:00
Your deadicated hosts return with THE FOUR SKULLS OF JONATHAN DRAKE (1959) from director Edward L Cahn!
The film is said to be written, produced and directed to scare the daylights out of you -- but will it? And how do shrunken heads factor in here? Listen to find out!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 20:47; Discussion 33:39; Ranking 49:24
From Mexico and director Fernando Mendez comes MISTERIOS DE ULTRATUMBA (1959), translated as "mysteries from beyond the grave" but released in the U.S. as BLACK PIT OF DR. M! Discover the weird atmosphere of this high point of 1950s Mexican horror.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 7:36; Discussion 21:25; Ranking 32:47
Our first weird Western and it comes to us from Universal Pictures: It's CURSE OF THE UNDEAD (1959), directed by Edward Dein and starring Eric Fleming, Michael Pate and Kathleen Crowley!
Will our small town preacher fight off the gunslinging vampire? Listen and find out!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:26; Discussion 29:18; Ranking 38:37
For July's horror adjacent movie, we chant his name three times in order to watch BEETLEJUICE (1988)!
An early Tim Burton film with memorable performances from Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Catherine O'Hara, Jeffrey Jones and Winona Ryder, we discuss how the film works, doesn't work, and whether it holds up today.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:28:41; Discussion 1:37:48
Ed Wood's once-thought-lost film, NIGHT OF THE GHOULS (1959), terrorizes the neighbourhood once more!
We discuss Ed Wood's career, film hobbyist/"archivist" Wade Williams, and the effects of creative burnout.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 31:28; Discussion 37:50; Ranking 48:29
Let's travel to Japan for their response to Hammer's DRACULA... it's ONNA KYÛKETSUKI (1959) aka LADY VAMPIRE from director Nobuo Nakagawa!
This episode features a look at the Japanese film industry and the relationship between vampires and Catholicism!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 26:20; Discussion 35:52; Ranking 47:41
It's an amusement park ride through horror -- it's HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL (1959) from director William Castle and starring Vincent Price, Carol Ohmart, Carolyn Craig, Richard Long, Alan Marshal, Elisha Cook Jr and Julie Mitchum!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 28:25; Discussion 49:50; Ranking 1:05:56
Your dedicated hosts travel back to 1926 for F.W. Murnau's FAUST - EIN DEUTSCHE VOLKSSAGE, translated as FAUST - A GERMAN FOLKTALE!
We cover the many iterations of Faust: The man, the myth, the legend.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 59:20; Discussion 1:17:36; Ranking 1:44:39
For June's horror adjacent movie, we turned our horrific eyes upon 1959's THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES from Hammer Film Productions!
We see the return of director Terence Fisher, actors Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, as well as how Hammer handles a non-horror Gothic film...
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:04:35; Discussion 1:10:29
This week your hosts head to Norway for DE DØDES TJERN (1958), translated as LAKE OF THE DEAD, from director Kåre Bergstrøm!
What happens when a group of friends go to a lone cabin in the woods near a haunted lake? ...Murder!
Your hosts talk Norwegian film, Riksmål and the Norwegian language conflict, and author André Bjerke.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 35:07; Discussion 45:40; Ranking 1:09:29
Your deadicated hosts address an appeal to reconsider the ranking of the 1931 DRACULA from Tod Browning, currently ranked at #22. We discuss the Philip Glass score and the impact it has on the atmosphere and horror of the overall film.
Your deadicated hosts wrap up 1958 with CORRIDORS OF BLOOD, directed by Robert Day and starring Boris Karloff and Christopher Lee!
With a cast and title like that, well, it's gotta be something special! ...right?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:34; Discussion 25:47; Ranking 44:05
Evolution, coelacanths and cavemen?! Oh my! Something stalks this college but spoiler alert: It's not teens... it's MONSTER ON THE CAMPUS (1958) from director Jack Arnold!
The film stars Arthur Franz, Joanna Cook Moore and Troy Donahue for the latest Jekyll and Hyde riff.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 18:34; Discussion 39:35; Ranking 51:39
You've seen it before: mad scientist creates monster; henchman falls in love with girl... but what if monster IS girl?? It's FRANKENSTEIN'S DAUGHTER (1958) from director Richard Cunha and starring John Ashley, Sandra Knight, Sally Todd and Donald Murphy!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:14; Discussion 36:31; Ranking 55:32
What's new, Scooby-Doo? For this month's horror adjacent movie, your deadicated hosts investigate SCOOBY-DOO ON ZOMBIE ISLAND (1998) from director Jim Stenstrum!
Topics covered include: The origins of Hanna-Barbera, why his name is Scooby-Doo, and where Sarah's longheld fear of zombies originates!
During the episode, Ben references an article from Chris Sims on Scooby-Doo and secular humanism, which you can read here: https://comicsalliance.com/ask-chris-81-scooby-doo-and-secular-humanism/
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:21:49; Discussion 1:33:13
Is it Gothic? Is it... horror? It's MY WORLD DIES SCREAMING (1958, Daniels), aka TERROR IN THE HAUNTED HOUSE, the very first picture in... psychorama! Starring Gerald Mohr, Cathy O'Donnell, William Ching and John Qualen.
From the origins of subliminal messaging to the Satanic Panic, we cover a lot of ground in this week's episode!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 35:04; Discussion 52:27; Ranking 1:16:08
A mini series adapted into a 90 minute film... what could go wrong?
This week we cover THE TROLLENBERG TERROR (1958) aka THE CRAWLING EYE from director Quentin Lawrence and writer Jimmy Sangster! The film stars Forrest Tucker, Laurence Payne and Jennifer Jayne.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 35:32; Discussion 47:07; Ranking 1:12:44
It's an appeal of our number one ranked film, DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE (1931, Mamoulian)!! Hear the valid critique of our top film from a Creature of the Night and our response!
We specifically compare the 1931 J&H to 1958's HORROR OF DRACULA and the 1941 J&H adaptation. The '31 J&H was originally covered in episode 27.
You can find the full list of ranked films at screamscenepodcast.com
This episode features a confession... I MARRIED A MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE (1958)! This title and film comes from director Gene Fowler Jr and stars Tom Tryan and Gloria Talbott. Does this horror live up to its lurid title?
Full disclosure: your deadicated hosts recorded this in advance of the U.S. Supreme Court leak about overturning Roe v. Wade. In the context of this development, we'd like to add content warnings about discussion of the Me Too Movement, rape culture, domestic violence and pregnancy.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 17:16; Discussion 39:20; Ranking 1:08:50
Ah hello there! Welcome, we are your deadicated hosts, here to present the first Inner Sanctum mystery film CALLING DR. DEATH (1943) from director Reginald Le Borg for our April bonus episode!
This horror-adjacent film from Universal stars Lon Chaney Jr, Patricia Morison and J Carrol Naish. Plus, we give the history of the Inner Sanctum book and radio show!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 24:21; Discussion 32:43
For episode 250, your deadicated hosts take on THE BLOB (1958, Yeaworth) starring Steve McQueen!
What is star jelly and how did it inspire the film? Why on earth is there a Burt Bacharach Blob theme song? You're telling me THE BLOB made HOW much money?!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 41:44; Discussion 54:52; Ranking 1:21:42
From director Bruno VeSota comes THE BRAIN EATERS (1958) starring Ed Nelson, Alan Factor, Cornelius Keefe and introducing Leonard Nimoy!
Does this B-movie adapt a Robert Heinlein novel, or was the plagiarism charge unfounded? Will the bad sound quality impact the low-budget film's ranking?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 17:50; Discussion 27:11; Ranking 45:47
It might be a cheap B-movie, but NIGHT OF THE BLOOD BEAST (1958) proves to be historically notable for a few reasons -- one of which being a horror only executive produced by Roger Corman, produced by his brother Gene, and ultimately directed by Bernard Kowalski!
Written by Martin Varno, NIGHT OF THE BLOOD BEAST stars John Baer, Angela Greene, Ed Nelson, Georgianna Carter, Michael Emmet, Tyler McVey and Ross Sturlin.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 24:51; Discussion 33:57; Ranking 55:19
Peter Cushing is back, baby! This time, he's starring in THE REVENGE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1958, Fisher), proving yet again that the best revenge is living well! The film also stars Francis Matthews, Michael Gwynn and Eunice Gayson.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:28; Discussion 36:26; Ranking 50:28
The exemplary black comedy ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (1944) gets covered for Scream Scene's horror adjacent bonus episode for March!
Directed by Frank Capra, this film adapts the 1941 play of the same name from playwright Joseph Kesselring. Leaving Boris Karloff behind on Broadway, the film keeps the play's stars Josephine Hull, Jean Adair and John Alexander, replacing Karloff with Raymond Massey. And, of course, Cary Grant is here too!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 49:04; Discussion 53:41
Hammer Films' writer Jimmy Sangster offers a side hustle to non-Hammer producers with BLOOD OF THE VAMPIRE (1958) directed by Henry Cass! But is the film as bloody as it desires? Listen to find out!
The cast features Donald Wolfit, Vincent Ball and Barbara Shelley.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:59; Discussion 25:30; Ranking 45:37
Out of Mexico comes the sequel to 1957's EL VAMPIRO; it's EL ATAUD DEL VAMPIRO (1958) from director Fernando Méndez! Will it hold up to his previous horror? How will writers Ramón Obón and Alfredo Salazar remix classic horror tropes this time?
This sequel features the same cast and crew, including Abel Salazar, Ariadna Welter and German Robles!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 14:32; Discussion 23:32; Ranking 36:23
After seeing what director Edward L Cahn and his crew could accomplish with last week's film, your deadicated hosts were excited for the second half of their double feature! But does CURSE OF THE FACELESS MAN (1958) meet our expectations??
Inspired by 1932's THE MUMMY, this horror features a Roman gladiator reborn from the destruction of Pompeii! The film stars Richard Anderson, Elain Edwards, Adele Mara, Luis Van Rooten and Bob Bryant.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 9:44; Discussion 19:22; Ranking 37:08
From director Edward L. Cahn comes IT! THE TERROR FROM BEYOND SPACE (1958)! Marshall Thompson stars in this photo-ALIEN film about a monster from Mars!
This horror sci-fi also stars Shirley Patterson, Kim Spalding, Dabbs Greer and Ann Doran, with Ray "Crash" Corrigan in his last film role in Paul Blaisdell's last original creature design.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 24:53; Discussion 35:47; Ranking 56:00
Adapted from the short story of the same name by F Marion Crawford, this week's movie is THE SCREAMING SKULL (1958, NIcol)!
Starring Peggy Webber, John Hudson, Russ Conway and Alex Nicol, is this low-budget horror movie schlock or... is it good?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:14; Discussion 40:46; Ranking 1:00:05
This month's horror adjacent film was chosen from a selection of shorts, and our patrons selected Buster Keaton's THE HAUNTED HOUSE (1921, Cline)! Joseph "Buster" Keaton stars in this two-reel silent comedy, and we outline his long and illustrious career.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 38:14; Discussion 40:09
Director Howard Koch brings us FRANKENSTEIN 1970, confusingly released in 1958!
Boris Karloff returns to the story that turned him into a star -- but this time, as the titular doctor! The film also stars Tom Duggan, Jana Lund, Don Barry, Charlotte Austin, Mike Lane and Rudolph Anders.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 25:53; Discussion 43:48; Ranking 1:04:34
Based on the famous 1957 short story from George Langelaan comes THE FLY (1958) from director/producer Kurt Neumann! This disturbing horror stars Patricia Owens, David Hedison, Vincent Price and Herbert Marshall.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 48:16; Discussion 1:03:28; Ranking 1:35:40
Dive into the history of Japanese ghost cats with BŌREI KAIBYŌ YASHIKI (1958), also known as BLACK CAT MANSION from director Nobuo Nakagawa! This film has everything: bakeneko, kabuki AND revenge!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 26:11; Discussion 43:05; Ranking 59:22
Cemeteries, psychic powers and pins galore! This week your deadicated hosts watch I BURY THE LIVING (1958) from director Albert Band and starring Richard Boone and Theodore Bikel! This film may whiff the ending, but it's a thrilling ride all the same.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 12:15; Discussion 29:03; Ranking 56:07
Our patrons voted and we dutifully answered: this month's horror adjacent episode dives into THE MASK OF FU MANCHU (1932) starring Boris Karloff as the titular "Yellow Peril incarnate" character!
Discussions of cultural fears, author Sax Rohmer, Orientalism and more abound in this bonus episode. Enjoy!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:26:54; Discussion 1:36:33
From the studio that brought teens into horror comes HOW TO MAKE A MONSTER (1958), our first meta horror movie!
Written by the team Herman Cohen and Aben Kandel, the film stars Robert Harris as a Jack Pierce/Paul Blaisdel stand-in, making this meta movie practically made for fans of old school horror!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:19; Discussion 32:47; Ranking 47:04
Boris Karloff flexes his horror talents with THE HAUNTED STRANGLER (1958) from director Robert Day!
Planned as the top half (but released as the bottom) of the double feature with FIEND WITHOUT A FACE, this old fashioned flick takes inspiration from Jack the Ripper, Jekyll and Hyde, and others. The film stars Boris Karloff, Jean Kent, Elizabeth Allan, Anthony Dawson, Tim Turner and Vera Day.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 12:36; Discussion 30:05; Ranking 48:43
From the pulp pages of Weird Tales onto the silver screen, it's FIEND WITHOUT A FACE (1958) from producers John Croydon and Richard Gordon, and director Arthur Crabtree!
This Cold War horror set in Canada has more than its fair share of surprises; one would even call it... WILD! The film stars Marshall Thompson, Kynaston Reeves, Kim Parker and Stanley Maxted.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 34:55; Discussion 51:26; Ranking 1:03:56
Dracula is... coming to America! Warn the housewives and use that white picket fence for making stakes -- it's THE RETURN OF DRACULA (1958) from director Paul Landres!
The film stars Frances Lederer, Norma Eberhardt and John Wengraf with music by Gerald Fried.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:47; Discussion 25:38; Ranking 39:45
Surely the bottom half of the double feature with HORROR OF DRACULA has to be good...right? Let's see what director Will Cowan has in store with THE THING THAT COULDN'T DIE (1958)!
The film stars William Reynolds, Andra Martin, Jeffrey Stone and Carolyn Kearney.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:46; Discussion 33:13; Ranking 52:06
Merry Christmas! Our horror adjacent episode this month is on Paul Leni's 1928 adaptation of THE MAN WHO LAUGHS!
We look at the relationship this film has with THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, plus some back story on author Victor Hugo.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 52:12; Discussion 1:02:27
Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing return to Scream Scene with DRACULA aka HORROR OF DRACULA (1958) directed by Terence Fisher!
This declarative and colourful thrill ride also stars Michael Gough, Melissa Stribling, Carol Marsh and John Van Eyssen.
Described by a contemporary critic as "The best horror ever made," how will this Dracula adaptation fare on The List??
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 43:25; Discussion 1:02:44; Ranking 1:35:36
Channeling his inner Roger Corman and Ed Wood comes Ronnie Ashcroft with THE ASTOUNDING SHE-MONSTER (1958), the film he (likely) wrote, produced and directed! With a badass poster from Albert Kallis, what could go wrong with this horror sci-fi b-movie??
The film stars Robert Clarke, Kenne Duncan, Marilyn Harvey, Jeanne Tatum, Shirley Kilpatrick and Ewing Brown.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 17:31; Discussion 27:31; Ranking 46:41
It moves! It breathes! It kills! It's WOMANEATER (1958) from director Charles Saunders!
This low-budget UK horror stars George Coulouris, Vera Day and a woman-eating tree -- but you won't find Paul Blaisdell in the credits. Listen to learn how Saunders blends exploitation and horror in this truly missable film!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:45; Discussion 21:36; Ranking 44:29
A legend is in our midst... it's the first film from director/producer William Castle! With a screenplay from Robb White, just what is in store in 1958's MACABRE?
William Prince, Jacqueline Scott, Christine White and Philip Tonge star in this adaptation of the 1951 novel THE MARBLE FOREST from Theo Durrant.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:27; Discussion 47:40; Ranking 1:09:46
This month's horror adjacent episode is on Fritz Lang's M (1931) starring Peter Lorre!
The history of Lang and his collaborator Thea von Harbou is long and intricate, so buckle up for a wild ride! Plus, your deadicated hosts dabble in true crime with coverage of serial killer Peter Kürten, the Vampire of Düsseldorf.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:10:21; Discussion 1:20:53
This week, your deadicated hosts cover an Ed Wood picture not made by Ed Wood... it's THE BRIDE AND THE BEAST (1958) from director Adrian Weiss, his one and only film!
This wild and weird flick stars Charlotte Austin, Lance Fuller, and Steve Calvert as the beast in a suit from Ray "Crash" Corrigan.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:15; Discussion 32:06; Ranking 46:58
From the unknown depths of... Spain?? comes GIANT FROM THE UNKNOWN (1958), directed by Richard Cunha and starring wrestler Buddy Baer as the titular giant with makeup from Jack Pierce!
The film also stars Ed Kemmer, Sally Fraser, Morris Ankrum and Bob Steele, with minor infringement on Charles Schulz with a character named Charlie Brown.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:20; Discussion 30:31; Ranking 50:57
Director Nobua Nakagawa returns with KAIDAN KASANE-GA-FUCHI (1957), translated as GHOST STORY OF KASANE SWAMP! Based on a story from rakugoka Encho Sanyutei, this horror delivers exactly what you want, and more!
The film stars Tetsuro Tamba, Katsuko Wakasugi, Takashi Wada, Noriko Kitazawa and Kikuko Hanaoka.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 13:18; Discussion 25:56; Ranking 39:53
We travel back in time to watch KYUKETSU-GA (1956) from Japanese director Nobuo Nakagawa! Moths? Vampires?! Werewolves?!! Just what is in store in this adaptation of Seishi Yokomizo's Kosuke Kindaichi detective stories?
The film stars Ryō Ikebe as the detective Kindaichi, with Asami Kuji, Eijirō Tōno and Kyoko Anzai in supporting roles.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 18:28; Discussion 33:58; Ranking 40:11
Your deadicated hosts cover your favourite family! For our fifth horror adjacent episode, it's THE ADDAMS FAMILY (1991, Sonnenfeld)!
From Charles Addams beginnings to the bonkers behind-the-scenes production, it's everything you've ever wanted to know about this Halloween classic.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:03:33; Discussion 1:09:21
Only the most horrific nightmares lie in NIGHT OF THE DEMON (1957)!
We meet our old friend and director Jacques Tourneur as he returns to horror in force alongside stars Dana Andrews, Niall MacGinnis and Peggy Cummins! Plus, what M. R. James is known for and how much of his short story "Casting the Runes" makes it into this adaptation...
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 40:07; Discussion 56:12; Ranking 1:20:37
Finally, just what we ordered... more teens! We cover the second half of AIP's teen-inspired double feature with BLOOD OF DRACULA (1957)! Director Herbert Strock takes us to an all-girls boarding school where a creature lurks at night...
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 7:32; Discussion 20:03; Ranking 42:14
I have a confession to make... I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN (1957)! From director Herbert Strock, we get the followup to I WAS A TEENAGE WEREWOLF, starring Whit Bissell, Phyllis Coates, Robert Burton and Gary Conway.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:28; Discussion 40:36; Ranking 54:33
Inspired by the Mummy movies from Universal, Alfredo Salazar pens the Mexican horror film LA MOMIA AZTECA (1957) directed by Rafael Portillo! The film stars Ramón Gay, Rosa Arenas, Crox Alvarado and Jorge Mondragón.
Can you take a Mummy movie outside of a pulpy, colonial context? Are there genre ties between horror and classic serials? Just what are Aztec mummies? We answer all these questions and more!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 20:22; Discussion 32:36; Ranking 51:19.
It's a title we've seen before, but this movie is not the same... it's EL VAMPIRO (1957) from director Fernando Méndez and starring Abel Salazar, Germán Robles, Ariadne Welter and Carmen Montejo!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 9:03; Discussion 21:15; Ranking 34:44
What's real and what's just in your head? This month's horror adjacent episode features the prestige Victorian thriller GASLIGHT (1944) from director George Cukor, starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman and Joseph Cotten!
Plus, discussion of how pervasive the term "gaslighting" has become, and whether the film is a good or bad portrayal of an abusive relationship -- spoiler alert: it's both!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 43:19; Discussion 53:50
Your dedicated hosts travel to Mexico for LADRÓN DE CADÁVERES (1957), written and directed by Fernando Méndez! The film stars Columba Domínguez, Crox Alvarado, Wolf Ruvinskis and Carlos Riquelme.
What do you get when you mix luchadores, mad scientists and King Kong? A pretty dope movie, that's what!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 20:56; Discussion 35:25; Ranking 41:57
AIP and Anglo-Amalgamated films were confronted with Hammer Films' success. Their response was CAT GIRL (1957)!
From director Alfred Shaughnessy and writer Lou Rusoff, this old fashioned CAT PEOPLE remake stars Barbara Shelley as the titular cat.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 20:23; Discussion 31:36; Ranking 48:45
Val Guest and Nigel Kneale return with THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN (1957)!
Starring Peter Cushing and Forrest Tucker, will this Yeti movie make slogging through all the previous Yeti movies worth it?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:34; Discussion 39:07; Ranking 1:03:14
FROM HELL IT CAME (1957, Milner) to terrorize a Polynesian island and the American doctors living there! But, are we sure they don't deserve it?
Your deadicated hosts suffer through this B horror that stars Tod Andrews, Tina Carver, Linda Watkins, John McNamara, Gregg Palmer and many, many others, and features a creature from Paul Blaisdell.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 12:26; Discussion 22:07; Ranking 38:20
On this month's horror adjacent episode, your deadicated hosts take on Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder's YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (1974)!
What makes this spoof work? Does it age well? How do we deal with its... sexual politics? All this and more in August's bonus episode!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:11:49; Discussion 1:24:21
She's baaaaaack -- from the dead! This 1957 b-movie BACK FROM THE DEAD is directed by Charles Warren and stars Peggie Castle, Marsha Hunt, Arthur Franz and Don Haggerty.
What will your hosts think of this female-led horror? Does it deserve to remain in obscurity?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 19:45; Discussion 43:24; Ranking 57:38
They dared enter the Cave of Death only to encounter... THE UNKNOWN TERROR (1957)! From director Charles Warren comes this less-than-stellar B-picture from a writer who has... spore taste. You might even say this film has... questionable morels.
The film features John Howard, Mala Powers, Paul Richards and May Wynn as they face off against Mush-Men! (I hear they're not... fun guys to be around)
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 17:30; Discussion 41:02; Ranking 58:03
Screenwriter and producer Jack Pollexfen gives horror another go with DAUGHTER OF DR JEKYLL (1957)! Tapping director Edgar G Ulmer will go a long way to making your movie look good... but is it enough?
The film stars Gloria Talbott, John Agar and Arthur Shields.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 22:24; Discussion 35:22; Ranking 53:43
We received an appeal of THE SHE-CREATURE (1956, Cahn), currently ranked at #101.
Upon our review, we started to question... just why was it so dang high on the list?
See the full list of films ranked, visit screamscenepodcast.tumblr.com
"What year is it?" your deadicated hosts ask as we watch John Carradine play a mad doctor experimenting with glands.
It's THE UNEARTHLY (1957) from director Boris Petroff! Tor Johnson and Allison Hayes return, but not for much impact unfortunately.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:51; Discussion 27:14; Ranking 44:34
It's bonus episode time! This time, we review the horror-adjacent film THE MUMMY (Sommers, 1999)! How did we get from Boris Karloff to Arnold Vosloo? From horror to pulp adventure? Take a listen and enjoy the Fun Facts(TM) scattered throughout the episode!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:20:09; Discussion 1:31:23
Before SCREAM, before TEEN WOLF, and even before LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, we get I WAS A TEENAGE WEREWOLF (1957) from director Gene Fowler Jr and starring Michael Landon!
It's the first horror featuring teens and marketed for teens, and it certainly won't be the last!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 38:31; Discussion 48:24; Ranking 1:12:06
Science vampires?! Oh my! Your deadicated hosts sit down with THE VAMPIRE (1957) from director Paul Landres, featuring checks notes a score by STAR TREK composer Gerald Fried?!
Starring John Beal, Coleen Gray, Kenneth Tobey and Dabbs Greer with a script by Pat Fielder.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 13:53; Discussion 29:46; Ranking 58:01
From the ashes of the Rank Organization rises producer Guido Coen and THE MAN WITHOUT A BODY (1957) from director W. Lee Wilder!
Starring Robert Hutton, George Coulouris, Julia Arnall and Nadja Regin, this low-budget B movie certainly is... an experience you won't see coming!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:50; Discussion 35:19; Ranking 1:01:27
Quatermass faces against the smog monster in QUATERMASS 2 (1957, Guest)!
How does this British "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" compare to the previous Quatermass film from 1955? Will Nigel Kneale get his way in recharacterizing the American iteration of his character? Will they blow up the asteroid in time to save Earth??
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 34:55; Discussion 50:18; Ranking 1:10:44
Hammer Film strikes gold with THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1957, Fisher), starring Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Hazel Court and Robert Urquhart!
We discuss the difficulties of adapting a public domain novel due to Universal's litigious nature, and how the studio reignites the Gothic horror genre.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 56:32; Discussion 1:25:42; Ranking 1:56:22
Our first bonus episode on horror adjacent films features the classic ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN, from 1948! The final appearance of the classic Universal iterations of Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and the Wolf Man!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:02:37; Discussion 1:16:32
What happens when you cross Frankenstein with Alraune? You get SHE DEVIL (1957) from director Kurt Neumann, starring Mari Blanchard, Jack Kelly and Albert Dekker, and adapted from Stanley Weinbaum's 1935 story "The Adaptive Ultimate."
Your hosts discuss the ways the film fails, how its "problematic," and the cultural tropes it uses without questioning them.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 30:16; Discussion 37:57; Ranking 1:16:24
Your deadicated hosts travel to Italy for our first Italian horror film! It's I VAMPIRI (1957), directed by Riccardo Freda and Mario Bava, and starring Gianna Maria Canale, Dario Michaelis and Carlo D'Angelo.
Along with our usual background of the film, we dive into Italian history and the political & cultural context in which I VAMPIRI was released.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 32:10; Discussion 54:29; Ranking 1:13:00
Marla English and Tom Conway star in this old-fashioned stock plot movie, VOODOO WOMAN (1957) from director Edward L Cahn! When voodoo and western (mad) science mix, the only result is a creature design from Paul Blaisdell.
Plus, a special announcement from your deadicated hosts!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:47; Discussion 35:12; Ranking 50:38
Is it Roger Corman's best film? Or, is it his worst? His film THE UNDEAD (1957) comes out of post-production hell starring Pamela Duncan, Richard Garland, Allison Hayes, Val Dufour, Mel Welles and Billy Barty!
When a woman is sent back through time via hypnosis, her psychiatrist must follow her to right the temporal hiccups she sets in motion. (Sort of).
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 18:14; Discussion 36:49; Ranking 1:02:13
From producer Sam Katzman and screenwriter Bernard Gordon comes THE MAN WHO TURNED TO STONE (1957, Kardos)! Starring Victor Jory, Ann Doran, Charlotte Austin, William Hudson and Paul Cavanagh, the film's villains target the most vulnerable among us, with Friedrich von Ledebur as the mute threatening monster!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:22; Discussion 29:28; Ranking 51:35
From director Edward Cahn and producer Sam Katzman comes ZOMBIES OF MORA TAU (1957)!
Often considered the missing link between Haitian zombies and Romero zombies, this horror B movie features Gregg Palmer, Allison Hayes, Autumn Russell and Marjorie Eaton.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:00; Discussion 37:13; Ranking 59:44
MY FRIENDS! Your deadicated hosts arrive with Ed Wood's PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE (1957)! "But wait," you may ask, "wasn't that released in 1959?" Well, my friends, future events such as these will affect you in the future, and so we bring you the full evidence of what happened on that fateful day Ed Wood released PLAN 9 to theaters!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 43:48; Discussion 1:01:00; Ranking 1:36:56
From Universal Pictures and director Jack Arnold comes THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN (1957)!
What happens when Richard Matheson's novel meets producer Albert Zugsmith? When a radioactive cloud meets DDT? When masculinity is shrunk??
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 42:40; Discussion 54:29; Ranking 1:21:53
Episode 200 baybee! For this momentous occasion, Ben and Sarah take a trip to VOODOO ISLAND (1957) from director Reginald Le Borg!
Starring Boris Karloff with a tremendous tan, this island has everything you could want in a vacation: warm waters, white sand beaches, carnivorous plant life...
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 35:42; Discussion 56:23; Ranking 1:15:47
From United Artists comes PHARAOH'S CURSE (1957), directed by Lee "roll 'em!" Sholem and written by Richard Landau! We give context around mummification and the making of this movie that stars Mark Dana, George Neise, Ziva Rodann and Diane Brewster.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 30:52; Discussion 51:32; Ranking 1:19:52
Here lies a Roger Corman film that is NOT OF THIS EARTH (1957)! Starring Paul Birch, Beverly Garland and Jonathan Haze, this sci-fi horror flick wowed and confused your hosts with its Space Dracula premise.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 19:53; Discussion 46:43; Ranking 1:11:19
We enter 1957 with another Roger Corman classic: ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS!
Starring Richard Garland, Pamela Duncan and Russell Johnson, will these intrepid scientists get off this radioactive island before it's too late?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:16; Discussion 30:10; Ranking 43:42
Your hosts delve underground and encounter THE MOLE PEOPLE (1956) from Universal Pictures and director Virgil Vogel!
Learn about the Boomer Bill Nye the Science Guy aka Dr Frank Baxter, plus Mesopotamian cultures and the latest updates to the Hollywood Production Code!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 52:03; Discussion 1:08:42; Ranking 1:23:56
Your hosts experience flashbacks to algebra with X THE UNKNOWN (1956) from director Leslie Norman and stars Dean Jagger, Edward Chapman and Leo McKern.
With full face meltage, you won't want to miss this latest horror from Hammer Films!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:11; Discussion 41:08; Ranking 1:10:03
From Warner Bros comes THE BAD SEED (1956), directed by Mervyn LeRoy and starring Nancy Kelly and Patty McCormack!
The original novel from William March was an instant best seller; the Broadway adaptation by Maxwell Anderson won a Pulitzer; but is the film version as subversive as it really wants to be?
Strap in, children, for this jam-packed episode! Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 42:36; Discussion 1:10:20; Ranking 2:04:07
Hypnotized! Your deadicated hosts experience THE SHE-CREATURE (1956) from director Edward L Cahn and starring Chester Morris, Maria English and Lance Fuller. Plus, an exciting announcement awaits!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 22:12; Discussion 37:48; Ranking 1:09:08
Roger Corman is back with the sci-fi horror film IT CONQUERED THE WORLD (1956) starring Peter Graves, Lee Van Cleef (no really!), Beverly Garland and Sally Fraser. Will this Venusian save us from ourselves??
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 19:30; Discussion 33:52; Ranking 1:02:03
Your deadicated hosts return to Japan for YOTSUYA KAIDAN (1956) from director Masaki Mori and starring the Lone Wolf himself, Tomisaburo Wakayama! The previous 1949 adaptation failed to make the list... will this B-movie version suffer the same fate?
Please note the episode includes discussion of domestic violence, sexual assault and suicide due to the plot(s) of YOTSUYA KAIDAN.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 39:43; Discussion 57:02; Ranking 1:23:16
Can the sympathetic werewolf figure be separated from Lon Chaney's Larry Talbot?
We try to answer that question with THE WEREWOLF (1956) from director Fred Sears and producer Sam Katzman! Steven Ritch plays the science-based werewolf facing off Don Megowan's small town sheriff.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 13:14; Discussion 30:20; Ranking 50:13
This 1956 throwback to the classic Universal horror of the '40s strikes at your hosts' hearts and brains! It's THE BLACK SLEEP from director Reginald LeBorg starring horror icons Basil Rathbone, Lon Chaney Jr, John Carradine, Bela Lugosi and Tor Johnson.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:29; Discussion 43:18; Ranking 59:22
Will Gill-man finally get his girl?
The final Gill-man movie and the end of Universal's classic monster series arrives with THE CREATURE WALKS AMONG US (1956) from director John Sherwood and starring Jeff Morrow, Rex Reason and Leigh Snowden.
Ricou Browning returns as the (water-based) Gill-man while big boy Don Megowan plays Gill-man on land.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 22:45; Discussion 42:57; Ranking 1:00:40
What would auteur theory have to say about Jerry Warren? Listen and find out! Jerry Warren produces, writes and directs MAN BEAST (1956) starring Tom Maruzzi, Virginia Maynor and Brianne Murphy.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:58; Discussion 24:46; Ranking 39:05
They're here! And you're next!! Your deadicated hosts enter 1956 with INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS from director Don Siegel and producer Walter Wanger, based on the Jack Finney novel.
The film is often viewed with a Cold War, Red Scare lens, but is it really Communism we're supposed to be afraid of?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 43:38; Discussion 1:00:33; Ranking 1:35:49
From the studio that brought us Roger Corman, it's THE PHANTOM FROM 10,000 LEAGUES (1955, Milner) featuring Kent Taylor, Cathy Downs and a sad mutated sea serpent!
The film includes our first female suit actor Norma Hanson and a few other easter eggs... but will this horror be "excellent" or will it sputter out to sea?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:19; Discussion 38:19; Ranking 1:02:00
So you find yourself locked in a shelter with 6 strangers after a nuclear war, fending off starvation and mutants alike? Consider this movie a how-to guide! It's DAY THE WORLD ENDED (1955) directed by Roger Corman with Richard Denning, Lori Nelson and Paul Birch!
A precursor to the likes of THE LAST MAN ON EARTH and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, will your deadicated hosts survive to the end? Listen and find out!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 19:21; Discussion 37:08; Ranking 1:00:38
The experimental and surreal DEMENTIA (1955, Parker) aka DAUGHTER OF HORROR confounds and delights your deadicated hosts!
The strange offspring of film noir and German expressionism stars Adrienne Barrett and Bruno Ve Sota with music by George Antheil.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 33:43; Discussion 50:49; Ranking 1:28:14
Hammer Film Productions begins their journey into horror with THE QUATERMASS XPERIMENT (1955)! From director Val Guest, this sci-fi horror flick makes a splash on British and American silver screens.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 37:53; Discussion 54:43; Ranking 1:14:01
Roger Corman returns with THE BEAST WITH A MILLION EYES (1955, Kramarsky et al), starring Paul Birch, Lorna Thayer, Dona Cole and featuring the first collaboration between monster creator Paul Blaisdell and producer Roger Corman.
Isolation, paranoia and killer birds threaten a local family, with love being the only way out of the surrealist horror the characters find themselves in.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 19:43; Discussion 35:28; Ranking 1:00:56
We go back in time, briefly, to introduce esteemed B-movie producer Roger Corman to the Scream Scene universe with MONSTER FROM THE OCEAN FLOOR (1954, Ordung).
See the humble beginnings where Corman first steps into showbiz, as well as discussion about why he made it while Ed Wood did not.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 24:50; Discussion 34:56; Ranking 53:09
From Ishirō Honda comes JÛ JIN YUKI OTOKO (1955), his followup to GOJIRA featuring Akira Takarada, Akemi Negishi and Sanshirō Sagara! Sealed away by Toho due to protests by the Buraku Liberation League, will this film hold up to its reputation?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 50:07; Discussion 1:08:28; Ranking 1:34:42
Back from vacation, we sit down to watch THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER (1955), the first and only film directed by Charles Laughton and starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, Lillian Gish and Billy Chapin.
With stylish stark lighting and intense tone setting, your deadicated hosts discuss horror for children and religion in this southern Gothic fable!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:11:45; Discussion 1:32:33; Ranking 2:07:23
From Universal Pictures, it's CULT OF THE COBRA (1955, Lyon) slithering its way into your homes... and your hearts?!
Starring Faith Domergue, Marshall Thompson, and Richard Long, the film questions if the real horror are the snakes, or post-war guilt!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 21:01; Discussion 47:04; Ranking 1:13:19
The last 3D movie from "the golden age of 3D," it's REVENGE OF THE CREATURE (1955) from director Jack Arnold! Revenge is a dish best served like a cold fish as Gill-Man rampages across MarineLand! Starring John Agar, Lori Nelson and John Bromfield.
Plus, the appearance of teens and the first acting job of... CLINT EASTWOOD??
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:30; Discussion 44:34; Ranking 1:13:49
Submitted for your approval are THREE CASES OF MURDER (1955, Toye, Eady, More O'Ferrall, Welles), an anthology film from Britain featuring Alan Badel and Orson Welles. Some segments are better than others, but all are restrained in that British sort of way... are they thrilling enough to be horror?
Context setting 00:00; First segment synopsis 32:04 and discussion 37:45; Second segment synopsis 45:33 and discussion 52:08; Third segment synopsis 1:03:13 and discussion 1:07:42; Ranking 1:14:47
The screen's master of the WEIRD in his newest and most daring SHOCKER! Bela Lugosi stars in BRIDE OF THE MONSTER (1955) from Ed Wood!
The film also stars Tony McCoy, Tor Johnson and Loretta King. Plus, hear your deadicated hosts talk about GLEN OR GLENDA and the pathos of Bela Lugosi!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 30:38; Discussion 46:40; Ranking 58:28
Your deadicated hosts received an appeal of CAPTIVE WILD WOMAN (1943, Dmytryk), currently ranked at #62.
To see the full list of films ranked, visit screamscenepodcast.tumblr.com
What came first, horror or thriller? Is something horror from what it inspires? Did the chicken or the egg come first? Your deadicated hosts ask the real, hard, philosophical questions as they watch LES DIABOLIQUES (1955, Clouzot) starring Véra Clouzot and Simone Signoret.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 39:08; Discussion 51:38; Ranking 1:09:41
We enter the mysterious mind of Herbert Tevos for MESA OF LOST WOMEN (1953), directed by Tevos and Ron Ormond!
There's a giant spider (gross) and sexy spider babes (better). Just what does this strange movie have in store for your hosts?? Starring Jackie Coogan, Robert Knapp, Harmon Stevens, Tandra Quinn, and featuring the voice of Lyle Talbot.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:54; Discussion 45:10; Ranking 56:34
We go back in time to Finland for the earliest example of folk horror: 1952's VALKOINEN PEURA from director Erik Blomberg! The film, The White Reindeer in English, is a special fairytale featuring a vampiric were-reindeer witch inspired by Sami myth.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 29:01; Discussion 48:19; Ranking 1:11:16
Out of the Himalayas comes THE SNOW CREATURE (1954) from director W. Lee Wilder!
A B movie made by the off-brand director of the Wilder family, this horror film about a patchy Yeti is something that you may not want to experience yourself... Starring Paul Langton, William Phipps and Teru Shimada.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 30:51; Discussion 42:32; Ranking 1:04:57
Your deadicated hosts travel to 1950s Japan to cover GOJIRA (1954) from director Ishiro Honda! Plus, a brief history of post-war Japan, the atomic bomb, and the origins of the daikaiju genre.
A brief context-setting of Japan 00:00; Film background 18:45; Synopsis 1:33:02; Discussion 1:46:27; Ranking 2:28:22
From Chano Urueta comes the 1954 Mexican horror LA BRUJA starring Lilia del Valle, Ramón Gay, and Julio Villarreal! A mad scientist, a witch, a secret Night Court... what could go wrong?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 7:25; Discussion 31:39; Ranking 42:52
From director John Brahm comes (right at you) THE MAD MAGICIAN (1954) starring Vincent Price, Mary Murphy, and Eva Gabor! This 3D picture from Columbia Pictures excites and thrills, but is its horror just an illusion?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:25; Discussion 38:03; Ranking 49:49
Coming right at you! It's PHANTOM OF THE RUE MORGUE (1954) from director Roy Del Ruth! This remake of 1932's MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE / adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's detective story still has some surprises in store...
Starring Karl Malden, Claude Dauphin, Patricia Medina, and Steve Forrest, the film also has cameos from Merv Griffin, Charles Gemora, and The Flying Zacchinis!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:56; Discussion 53:12; Ranking 1:08:54
Your dedicated hosts face off the 3D widescreen underwater horror CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (1954) from director Jack Arnold! Starring Richard Carlson, Julie Adams, Richard Denning and Ben Chapman & Ricou Browning as Gill Man himself!
From the men who played Gill Man, to how the legacy of his designer Milicent Patrick was hidden for years, we dive deep into the depths of this iconic horror film.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 35:35; Discussion 48:51; Ranking 1:13:12
We return to our regular timeline with EL MONSTRUO RESUCITADO, a 1953 Mexican horror film from director Chano Urueta, starring Miroslava and José María Linares-Rivas. See what this mix of Universal's greatest horror hits has in store!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:54; Discussion 38:39; Ranking 54:49
We continue our tour through Mexican horror with EL HOMBRE SIN ROSTRO (1950) from father of Mexican horror Juan Bustillo Oro!
This surrealist, film noir-inspired film stars Arturo de Córdova, Miguel Ángel Ferriz, and Carmen Molina.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 12:52; Discussion 32:44; Ranking 51:17
We travel to 1935's Mexico for EL MISTERIO DEL ROSTRO PÁLIDO from the father of Mexican horror himself, Juan Bustillo Oro!
The film stars familiar face Carlos Villarías, and newcomers Joaquín Busquets and Beatriz Ramos. This mad scientist Phantom of the Opera meet-cute is a film you won't want to miss!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 17:27; Discussion 36:13; Ranking 48:55
Your deadicated hosts put their heads together to watch DONOVAN'S BRAIN (1953) from director Felix Feist! This adaptation of Curt Siodmak's 1942 novel stars Lew Ayres, Nancy Davis, and Gene Evans.
We've faced similar premises before, but how does this straight adaptation fare against the horror films that came before?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:45; Discussion 44:46; Ranking 59:02
Beware what you find in... THE MAZE (1953)! From director and production designer William Cameron Menzies comes this Gothic horror 3D film starring Richard Carlson, Veronica Hurst, and Katherine Emery.
Hear the background of the Allied Artists pictures Corporation and its long-lived producer Walter Mirisch! Plus, how does Salvador Dali factor in to this movie's story??
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 31:04; Discussion 39:43; Ranking 1:06:18
It's horror for children! Your deadicated hosts face off INVADERS FROM MARS (1953) in this German expressionist, surrealist sci-fi flick!
This indie film includes director/production designer William Cameron Menzies and stars Jimmy Hunt, Helena Carter, and Arthur Franz.
And, Ben explains Eastmancolor, Supercinecolor, and how Menzies earned a name for himself as production designer of... GONE WITH THE WIND!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 41:24; Discussion 1:03:45; Ranking 1:39:15
Your deadicated hosts travel to Turkey for the country's first horror film, DRAKULA İSTANBUL'DA (1953) from director Mehmet Muhtar! Starring Atif Kaptan as Dracula, Bülent Oran as Azmi (aka Jonathan Harker), and Annie Ball as Güzin (aka Mina).
Hear about the history of Turkey, its film industry, and the Dracula adaptation the film is inspired by, Kazıklı Voyvoda by Ali Riza Seyfi.
Book adaptation and history of Turkey 00:00; Film industry context setting 39:25; Synopsis 51:12; Discussion 1:07:28; Ranking 1:41:33
Half man... half beast... all b-movie! It's THE NEANDERTHAL MAN (1953) from director E.A. Dupont and producers Aubrey Wisberg and Jack Pollexfen! There's a lot of yikes ahead, so prepare yourselves Creatures of the Night...
Starring Robert Shayne, Joyce Terry, Richard Crane, Doris Merrick and Beverly Garland, this independent sci-fi horror film gives your deadicated hosts much to discuss!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:14; Discussion 46:36; Ranking 1:14:43
Fantastic sights leap at you with IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE (1953) with another film in 3D! Director Jack Arnold brings stars Richard Carlson and Barbara Rush to the screen with an alien design you have to see to believe!
Will this Universal attempt at science fiction end well? What role does author Ray Bradbury play in this film? All this and more awaits you in this week's episode!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 39:52; Discussion 53:18; Ranking 1:14:10
Arriving from the third dimension is Warner Brothers' HOUSE OF WAX (DeToth, 1953)! It's the film that kickstarts Vincent Price's second career in horror! Also starring Frank Lovejoy, Phyllis Kirck, Carolyn Jones, Paul Picerni and... Charles Bronson?!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 50:55; Discussion 1:03:46; Ranking 1:30:47
It's tropes galore with Universal Pictures' THE BLACK CASTLE (1952) from art-turned-film director Nathan Juran, starring Richard Greene, Stephen McNally, and Rita Corday, featuring Boris Karloff and Lon Chaney Jr!
Alligator pits, torture basements, and duelling pistols... see what else awaits you in this week's Scream Scene!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:01; Discussion 30:36; Ranking 49:22
Charles Laughton and Boris Karloff return to a Universal horror film with THE STRANGE DOOR (1951, Pevney)! Based on a Robert Louis Stevenson story, the film proves Universal's B movie unit is not quite dead yet.
Also in this episode, we cover a huge shift in the Hollywood studio contract system that ripples to today's industry standards.
All this and more behind this strange door...
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 40:42; Discussion 57:15; Ranking 1:10:42
Do the sins of the father fall on the son? Find out in our coverage of 1951's THE SON OF DR. JEKYLL from director Seymour Friedman! Out of Columbia Pictures comes this sequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novel Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
But what would the House Un-American Activities Committee have to do with a 1950s horror movie?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 28:21; Discussion 46:11; Ranking 58:51
Curt Siodmak and Lon Chaney Jr return in BRIDE OF THE GORILLA (1951), with Siodmak's directorial debut! Beefcake Raymond Burr stars in this Val Lewton-styled Wolf Man remake set in the Amazon!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 20:23; Discussion 34:16; Ranking 57:38
What does a sci fi horror movie look like? Director Edgar Ulmer gives it a shot with 1951's THE MAN FROM PLANET X, starring Robert Clarke, Margaret Field, William Schallert and Roy Engel. Produced and written by Jack Pollexfen and Aubrey Wisberg.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 32:15; Discussion 51:42; Ranking 1:13:23
It's 1951! UFOs, the Cold War, and the Sci-Fi genre get covered in our context setting, then an in-depth look at Christian Nyby's THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD! This Howard Hawks film stars Kenneth Tobey, Margaret Sheridan, Robert Cornthwaite, James Arness, and many other character actors.
Cultural context setting 00:00; Film context setting 42:05; Synopsis 1:12:15; Discussion 1:25:23; Ranking 1:57:45
We head to 1940's Nazi occupied France for LE LOUP DES MALVENEUR (1943) from director Guillaume Radot, starring Madeleine Sologne, Pierre Renoir, Gabrielle Dorziat & Michel Marsay.
Can the French emulate the Universal Pictures style enough to be horror?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 26:28; Discussion 45:44; Ranking 1:01:34
We travel to Japan for 1949's YOTSUYA KAIDAN from director Keisuke Kinoshita, starring Kinuyo Tanaka & Ken Uehara!
From its origins as a Kabuki play, to what Japan's post-war film industry looks like, we introduce Japan's most famous ghost story to Scream Scene listeners.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 53:02; Discussion 1:11:14; Ranking 1:42:41
It's the film Martin Scorsese claims as "one of the few true classic of supernatural cinema;" it's 1949's THE QUEEN OF SPADES from director Thorold Dickinson and starring Anton Walbrook, Edith Evans, and Yvonne Mitchell.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 26:57; Discussion 37:02; Ranking 1:04:25
Your deadicated hosts travel to Russia and back in time for 1916's PIKOVAYA DAMA aka THE QUEEN OF SPADES!
Director Yakov Protazanov adapts the Aleksandr Pushkin short story featuring Ivan Mosjoukine in the title role.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 28:52; Discussion 34:34; Ranking 52:14
Your deadicated hosts tackle the 1948 film THE MONKEY'S PAW from directors Norman Lee and Barbara Toy! It's the first time we're covering this timeless story, and we'll share what we know of the author, how effective the film is, and just where the film ranks as horror.
Starring Milton Rosmer, Megs Jenkins, Michael Martin Harvey, and many more, will this UK film from the Butcher's Film Service have a tight grip on your hosts?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:03; Discussion 35:11; Ranking 53:10
From Jean Yarbrough and Reliance Pictures comes THE CREEPER (1948)! While the film takes the name of his character, the film has more in common with CAT PEOPLE than Rondo Hatton (maybe, kinda, sorta). Starring Janis Wilson, Onslow Stevens, & John Baragrey.
Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:21; Discussion 19:48; Ranking 47:49
From Eagle-Lion Films and director Bernard Vorhaus comes THE AMAZING MR. X / THE SPIRITUALIST (1948)! Turhan Bey stars alongside Lynn Bari and Cathy O'Donnell, but can his charm save this big-budget B-movie?
We swoon over the stylish cinematography from John Alton and struggle with the old-fashioned flavour of Crane Wilbur's writing. But at the end of the day, what genre is this?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 19:30; Discussion 29:10; Ranking 1:02:54
It's Bela Lugosi in colour in SCARED TO DEATH (1947) from director Christy Cabanne! This bonkers movie also stars George Zucco, Molly Lamont, Douglas Fowley and many others. It can only be experienced for yourself, so sit back and enjoy the ride!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 13:28; Discussion 27:53; Ranking 48:41
From director Robert Florey comes 1946's THE BEAST WITH FIVE FINGERS starring Peter Lorre, Robert Alda, Andrea King and J Carrol Naish! Writer Curt Siodmak adapts the short story from WF Harvey for the unlikely Warner Bros Studio.
Does Robert Florey learn from his earlier tone mistakes in MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE, or is horror more than he can HANDle?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 30:36; Discussion 44:11; Ranking 1:00:57
74 years after his death, your deadicated hosts review Rondo Hatton's last film THE BRUTE MAN (1946)! It's the most famous of Hatton's Creeper films, co-starring Jane Adams, Tom Neal, and Jan Wiley, and directed by Jean Yarbrough.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:53; Discussion 31:48; Ranking 55:00
It's the last Republic Pictures horror film and the other half of the double feature with CATMAN OF PARIS: this week your hosts review VALLEY OF THE ZOMBIES (1946) directed by Philip Ford & starring Robert Livingston, Lorna Gray/Adrian Booth, & Ian Keith!
Will this poverty row horror help liven up the dying genre, or will it add to Republic's sinking ship?
Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 14:14; Discussion 21:05; Ranking 38:24
The end of an era! Universal ends its '40s horror run with SHE-WOLF OF LONDON (1946, Yarbrough) starring June Lockhart, Don Porter, and Sara Haden.
Why is it blamed for the end of the genre? Why does Universal stop making horror after this? And what does British industrialist J Arthur Rank have to do with anything? Listen to find out!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:43; Discussion 25:59; Ranking 44:07
All good things must end! We review BEDLAM (1946) from director Mark Robson and starring Boris Karloff and Anna Lee. It's our final horror film from Lewton and his team at RKO, does he go out with a bang?
Plus, what's the connection to William Hogarth's art? Why is it called Bedlam? Why is this the last Lewton horror film? Listen and find out!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 33:21; Discussion 49:40; Ranking 1:30:58
Paris, the city of lights... and cats! A 'catman' stalks the streets (or is it just a hairy man?), is anyone safe? From Republic Pictures comes THE CATMAN OF PARIS (1946)!
Featuring the talents of notable western director Lesley Selander, serial writer Sherman Lowe, and starring Carl Esmond, Lenore Aubert, Gerald Mohr, and Douglass Dumbrille.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 14:09; Discussion 36:05; Ranking 47:27
PRC challenges Val Lewton's brand of horror with DEVIL BAT'S DAUGHTER (1946) from director Frank Wisbar and starring Rosemary La Planche, John James, and Michael Hale. But will this sequel live up to its progenitor, THE DEVIL BAT (1940)?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 12:10; Discussion 32:22; Ranking 44:44
Rondo Hatton returns, this time in a starring vehicle, with HOUSE OF HORRORS (1946, Yarbrough). Does Universal succeed in finding a new horror icon and franchise? Joining Hatton are Martin Kosleck, Robert Lowery, Virginia Grey and Bill Goodwin.
Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:26; Discussion 35:03; Ranking 52:30
Oh what a tangled web Universal Studios weaves with THE SPIDER WOMAN STRIKES BACK (1946, Lubin) starring Gale Sondergaard. This Poison Ivy wannabe has a bone to pick with nearby ranchers, what's a girl to do?! Also starring Brenda Joyce, Rondo Hatton, and Kirby Grant.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 20:12; Discussion 25:47; Ranking 37:28
What's that in the sky? A bird? A plane? No, it's THE FLYING SERPENT (1946, Newfield)! Starring George Zucco and the mythical Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, we try to separate fact from fiction about just why this movie pseudo-Devil Bat remake was made.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 18:45; Discussion 39:14; Ranking 45:43
How many tropes and plot-pivots can you throw in to an hour-long horror movie? Director William Beaudine gives his best shot with 1946's THE FACE OF MARBLE starring John Carradine, Claudia Drake, Robert Shayne and Maris Wrixon.
We have voodoo, ghosts, vampires, mad scientists, white faces of marble, and more!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 10:31; Discussion 34:03; Ranking 48:48
From PRC comes STRANGLER OF THE SWAMP (1946), an American remake of the 1936 German horror film FAHRMANN MARIA!
Both films are written and directed by Frank Wisbar, but how does 10 years, a new country, and a post-war environment affect the anti-Nazi story?
STRANGLER OF THE SWAMP stars Rosemary LaPlanche, Robert Barrat, and Blake Edwards.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:46; Discussion 23:51; Ranking 46:37
Noirvember hits the Scream Scene team with THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE (1946), a film noir combining Gothic horror & slasher tropes.
Starring Dorothy McGuire, George Brent & Ethel Barrymore, this old dark house flick comes from RKO and director Robert Siodmak.
Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 30:56; Discussion 40:12; Ranking 1:13:31
All good things must come to an end, but does HOUSE OF DRACULA (1945, Kenton) do justice to Universal's monsters Dracula, Wolfman and Frankenstein's Creature? Will Universal's last classic monster rally film go out with a bang, or a whimper?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 36:53; Discussion 59:46; Ranking 1:22:19
We uncover and review the lost second half of Republic's horror double feature in this episode on THE PHANTOM SPEAKS (1945) from director John English, writer John K Butler, and starring Richard Arlen, Stanley Ridges, and Tom Powers.
How will this film noir horror with supernatural themes fare up against other films on our ranked list?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 13:30; Discussion 23:47; Ranking 30:34
For the day before Halloween, we humbly present our episode on ISLE OF THE DEAD (1945, Robson), inspired by Arnold Böcklin's painting of the same name! Karloff and Lewton strike gold again, this time in a unique vampire tale set in Greece.
It's a one-of-a-kind picture written by Ardel Wray and featuring Ellen Drew, Marc Cramer, Katherine Emery, Helene Thimig, Alan Napier, Jason Robards Sr, Ernst Deutsch, and Skelton Knaggs.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 33:47; Discussion 52:28; Ranking 1:12:40
It's six horror films for the price of one! This week your deadicated hosts review DEAD OF NIGHT (1945) from directors Alberto Cavalcanti, Charles Crichton, Basil Dearden, Robert Hamer.
Plus, insights into the British film industry, the Rank Organisation, HG Wells and EF Benson, past horror anthologies, and much more. It's our first British horror in a while, so there's a lot to catch up on!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 55:02; Discussion 1:16:05; Ranking 1:42:42
It's the third and final entry of the Paula Dupree franchise, plus the horror debut of Rondo Hatton. From director Harold Young comes 1945's JUNGLE CAPTIVE out of Universal Studios!
The film also features Otto Kruger, Amelita Ward, Phil Brown, Jerome Cowan and Vicky Lane as Paula Dupree (replacing Acquanetta).
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 21:09; Discussion 29:23; Ranking 45:15
We're back at RKO to dig up THE BODY SNATCHER (1945) from Val Lewton and director Robert Wise!
Boris Karloff, Henry Daniell and Russell Wade star in this adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic short story. Oh hey Bela Lugosi is here too!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:56; Discussion 41:04; Ranking 1:06:04
Wheel of cryptids turn turn turn, name the film that we'll discern... It's THE VAMPIRE'S GHOST (1945) from director Lesley Selander, writer Leigh Brackett, and starring John Abbott, Charles Gordon, Peggy Stewart and Grant Withers.
We follow the standard vampire and Dracula formula, this time in the Belgian Congo! But how does this film from Republic Pictures stack up against our other Dracula rip-offs?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 19:02; Discussion 41:06; Ranking 55:40
From MGM comes THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY (1945, Lewin), plus proof that your time in university literature courses doesn't have to go to waste! This Aesthetic, Gothic and classy horror stars Hurd Hatfield, George Sanders, Angela Lansbury and Donna Reed.
We give an overview of Oscar Wilde, his 1890 novel, the Aestheticism literary movement, public versus private horror, and so! much! more!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:00:23; Discussion 1:23:31; Ranking 1:56:48.
Is it horror? Is it film noir? It's THE MAN IN HALF MOON STREET (1945, Murphy) starring Nils Asther and Helen Walker!
With a powerful score from Miklós Rózsa and a plot from Barré Lyndon, this certainly is A Film To Watch!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 18:31; Discussion 30:29; Ranking 43:21
Kharis the Mummy returns in THE MUMMY'S CURSE (1944, Goodwins) with Lon Chaney Jr, Virginia Christine, and Dennis Moore. Plus a secret cure to mummification: rest and rehydration!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 21:16; Discussion 34:02; Ranking 46:09
Five monsters for the price of one! It's our first Monster Rally picture, with Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolfman, Dracula, a Hunchback and Mad Scientist in HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1944, Kenton). Screams, thrills, and tropes galore await you...
Joining director Erle C Kenton are Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr, J Carrol Naish, John Carradine, Glenn Strange, Elena Verdugo, Anne Gwynne, Lionel Atwill, George Zucco, and many more!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 45:48; Discussion 1:09:04; Ranking 1:30:18
What do you do with a sequel-not-sequel? What happens when your deadicated hosts disagree on what makes a horror film? Take a listen to THE CLIMAX (1944) from director George Waggner & starring Boris Karloff in full technicolor!
Susanna Foster, Turhan Bey, and Gale Sondergaard also star in this musical melodramatic....horror?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 25:52; Discussion 39:10; Ranking 1:03:23
Columbia Pictures' second supernatural double horror film THE SOUL OF A MONSTER (1944) comes at you like a bat out of hell in this week's episode!
From director/composer Will Jason and starring Rose Hobart, George Macready, Jeanne Bates, Jim Bannon and Erik Rolf.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 10:03; Discussion 32:15; Ranking 52:31
The first in a Columbia Pictures double feature, CRY OF THE WEREWOLF (1944, Levin) howls into your ears in this week's Scream Scene!
Starring Nina Foch, Osa Massen and Stephen Crane, this film features our first female werewolf.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 25:14; Discussion 29:42; Ranking 1:03:06
Is it the best Universal Mummy movie? Or the worst? Your deadicated hosts face off over THE MUMMY'S GHOST (1944, le Borg) starring Lon Chaney Jr, John Carradine, Robert Lowery and Ramsay Ames.
With a darker ending than other Universal horror flicks, director Reginald le Borg and producer Ben Pivar deliver a somewhat overbaked entry into the Kharis mummy series.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 24:24; Discussion 39:32; Ranking 51:23
Your deadicated hosts have arrived at the final film in Lugosi's infamous Monogram Nine: RETURN OF THE APE MAN (1944, Rosen)! Starring Bela Lugosi, John Carradine, George Zucco (sort of) and Frank Moran.
Despite tropes of mad scientists and ape men, this poverty row flick doesn't quite fit the mold.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 19:43; Discussion 36:43; Ranking 51:59
The Invisible Man franchise gets a reboot with this 1944 sci-fi horror film THE INVISIBLE MAN'S REVENGE (dir Ford Beebe)!
With John Carradine as the mad scientist and Jon Hall as the vengeful invisible man, hear our thoughts on the fifth film in Universal's Invisible series.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 24:25; Discussion 34:06; Ranking 52:49
Acquanetta returns to stalk your ears in 1944's JUNGLE WOMAN from Universal Pictures and director Reginald Le Borg! With J Carrol Naish starring, let's power through this oddly structured, poorly acted horror flick.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:31; Discussion 43:39; Ranking 54:31
From Republic Pictures comes THE LADY AND THE MONSTER, an adaptation of Curt Siodmak's novel DONOVAN'S BRAIN that has neither a lady nor a monster... But they had to find some way to get stars Vera Ralston and Erich von Stroheim in the picture!
The final product is a patchwork of convoluted plots, tropes, and under-developed characters. But how does it rank against more cohesive horror films?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:08; Discussion 33:53; Ranking 1:03:31
From poverty row's lowest rung of studios PRC comes THE MONSTER MAKER (Newfield 1944). J Carrol Naish stars in a role clearly meant for Bela Lugosi, with co-stars Ralph Morgan, Tala Birell, Glenn Strange and Ace the Wonder Dog!
(Spoiler alert: The dog does NOT die. Phew!) Plus a surprise appearance of Ray Corrigan in his ape suit!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 10:22; Discussion 22:34; Ranking 44:52
The question of "is this supernatural?" has never been more textual in Val Lewton's horror movies than in 1944's THE CURSE OF THE CAT PEOPLE from directors Gunther von Fritsch and Robert Wise. But where on the genre spectrum of children's fantasy to horror does this film lie?
Starring Ann Carter, Simone Simon, Kent Smith and Jane Randolph, with horror classic Elizabeth Russell, RKO regular Sir Lancelot, and fallen star Julia Dean.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 25:37; Discussion 35:34; Ranking 1:09:22
Three horror stars in one picture! Your deadicated hosts review VOODOO MAN (1944) from William "One-Shot" Beaudine, starring Bela Lugosi, George Zucco, and John Carradine.
Thrills, chills and meta jokes fill this Monogram picture to the brim.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:48; Discussion 25:41; Ranking 41:38
We travel back to 1937 Shanghai for China's first entry into the horror genre: Yèbàn gēshēng aka Song at Midnight from director Ma-Xu Weibang.
It's a loose but very interesting adaptation of Phantom of the Opera starring Jin Shan, Hu Ping and Shi Chao; a film with a Universal horror aesthetic in a Chinese cultural context!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 34:27; Discussion 49:15; Ranking 1:03:11
After receiving an appeal of our ranking of 1933's THE GHOUL, we reconsider the film's place on our list. Will Karloff's return to Britain keep its position? Listen to find out!
Listen to the original episode on THE GHOUL here: https://soundcloud.com/screamscenepodcast/rated-h-for-horror
Dear listener, you are cordially invited to Scream Scene's review of 1944's THE UNINVITED from studio Paramount Pictures and director Lewis Allen!
The first US film to portray legitimate ghosts, spooks and scares await you, along with film stars Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey, Donald Crisp, Gail Russell.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 33:11; Discussion 48:03; Ranking 1:17:55
No rest for the wicked or for Val Lewton as we watch 1943's THE GHOST SHIP from director Mark Robson.
How does Lewton balance good story with RKO's demands? Easy, he relies on the fantastic acting of Richard Dix and supporting cast Russell Wade, Edith Barrett and Skelton Knaggs.
Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 17:56; Discussion 35:37; Ranking 57:41
A hidden gem? Or a film better lost to time?
This week your deadicated hosts watch THE MAD GHOUL (1943, Hogan) starring George Zucco, David Bruce, Robert Armstrong, Evelyn Ankers, and Turhan Bey.
Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 8:36; Discussion 27:56; Ranking 39:08
Think Dracula got his comeuppance in 1931? Think again -- he's strikes again in Columbia's THE RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE (1943) from director Lew Landers.
Bela Lugosi, Frieda Inescort and Matt Willis star in this tale of vampires stalking London in WW2!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 12:02; Discussion 34:22; Ranking 54:18
Chaney! Ankers! Siodmak! The third instalment of Universal's Dracula trilogy arrives with SON OF DRACULA (1943) from Robert Siodmak!
It's spooky and foggy, and how could it go wrong with a moustachioed vampire? It's not the best vampire flick, but it's a diamond in the Southern Gothic rough.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 28:53; Discussion 44:03; Ranking 1:16:37
We encounter Val Lewton's fourth horror flick from RKO and first with new director Mark Robson: it's THE SEVENTH VICTIM (1943) starring Tom Conway, Jean Brooks, Kim Hunter, and Hugh Beaumont!
Devil worshippers, suicide, and lesbian undertones are all awaiting you in this week's episode...
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 28:33; Discussion 49:57; Ranking 1:28:55
Your brave hosts face the music of the night in the 1943 adaptation of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA starring Claude Rains, Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster, and Edgar Barrier. We loved the first Phantom, and we love Claude Rains, so what could go wrong?
The film won Academy Awards for Art Direction and Cinematography, so director Arthur Lubin delivers a delightfully pleasant musical! But... is it horror? Listen for more!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 42:40; Discussion 55:49; Ranking 1:17:48
Cashing in on CAT PEOPLE is Universal's CAPTIVE WILD WOMAN (1943) from director Edward Dmytryk. The film introduces horror-mainstay John Carradine and the... unique Hollywood actress Acquanetta also known as the "Venezuelan Volcano". Strap in friends cuz we're going to the circus in this one!
Universal brings together apes, lions, tigers, hormone glands, and more. Oof!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:54; Discussion 37:38; Ranking 49:35
The first realistic portrayal of a serial killer in horror comes from the Val Lewton and Jacques Tourneur team in THE LEOPARD MAN (1943)!
Featuring discussion of Cornell Woolrich, Jean Brooks, racism and colonialism, and of course the patriarchy, your deadicated hosts dive in and try to decipher just what this film is about.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 32:44; Discussion 47:04; Ranking 1:27:49
Your deadicated hosts go for a stroll with Val Lewton's second feature, I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE (1943) from director Jacques Tourneur.
Featuring Haitian voodoo, incredible sound design, inspiration from Jane Eyre and more, we dive deep into our 100th ranked horror film on the list!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 34:36; Discussion 44:46; Ranking 1:29:22
Beware LA MAIN DU DIABLE (1943, Tourneur)! The devil's hand creeps its way onto the show along with history about Vichy France, the French film industry during Nazi occupation, and so much more.
Brought to you by Maurice Tourneur -- father of CAT PEOPLE director Jacques -- and a nationalized run-by-Germans French film industry. Is this film propaganda? Subversive? Is it even horror?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 34:15; Discussion 44:36; Ranking 1:05:27
For a special retrospective episode, we head to 1926 Japan for KURUTTA ICHIPEIJI from director Teinosuke Kinugasa. This episode on A PAGE OF MADNESS features snapshots of Japanese literary and cultural history, and possibly our most contentious discussion yet! Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 39:56; Discussion 51:24; Ranking 1:23:00
Before THE AVENGERS, before ALIEN VS PREDATOR, before any crossover cinematic universes... there was FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN (1943, Neill)!
What happens when Lon Chaney Jr's Larry Talbot meets Bela Lugosi's Creature? Tune in to find out!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 34:45; Discussion 43:21; Ranking 1:05:04
Bela Lugosi investigates gorilla glands and human spinal fluid in Monogram's 1943 horror THE APE MAN directed by William "One Shot" Beaudine.
While not much to look at, it's a fun flick that had us wondering... Hey, why aren't you in the army?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:18; Discussion 20:55; Ranking 27:47
What awaits your deadicated hosts in THE MYSTERIOUS DOCTOR (1943) from director Benjamin Stoloff and Warner Bros? Does this horror balance its grim premise with the studio's push for pro-American propaganda? And who is the titular doctor?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:50; Discussion 26:31; Ranking 35:08
We head back to poverty row studio PRC for Sam Newfield's DEAD MEN WALK (1943) starring George Zucco, Dwight Frye, Nedrick Young, Mary Carlisle, and George Zucco! The strength of the vampire is that people will not believe in him... let's test this hypothesis!
PRC is the bottom rung of the studio prestige ladder, yet DEAD MEN WALK shows a semblance of talent out of Sam Newfield... so why did Newfield succeed where Ed Wood tended to fail? This and more discussion of classic horror awaits.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 13:52; Discussion 27:44; Ranking 41:24
It's the film that changed the horror genre, revived RKO, and launched Val Lewton into film history.
Your deadicated hosts watch CAT PEOPLE (1942, Tourneur) and dive into the history of women and mental health, sexuality, RKO and CITIZEN KANE, and so much more. Will this classic take the number one spot on the list?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 59:59; Discussion 1:12:14; Ranking 1:43:08
The beautiful, expressionist and noir-inspired film THE UNDYING MONSTER (1942, Brahm) strikes at the heart of Scream Scene's most dreaded question... is this horror or thriller?
Starring James Ellison, Heather Angel, John Howard and Heather Thatcher; this is what happens when 20th Century Fox tries to bring together an old dark house, lycanthropy, and a THIN MAN rip-off. But your hosts are mesmerized by the film's scoring by grandfather of film music David Raksin.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 25:23; Discussion 32:17; Ranking 55:29
From Monogram Pictures, it's BOWERY AT MIDNIGHT (1942), directed by Wallace Fox and starring Bela Lugosi, John Archer, Wanda McKay, Tom Neal, and Bela Lugosi! Twice the Bela, twice the... fun?
Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:52; Discussion 16:37; Ranking 35:54
Surprise! It's our first appeals episode! Your deadicated hosts received an appeal of FREAKS (1932, Browning), currently ranked at #27.
Let's discuss whether FREAKS deserves to be higher or lower than DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE (1942, Fleming) -- and whether Ramones' discography should impact a film's ranking!
The episodes discussed in this episode are Ep 18 (DER STUDENT VON PRAG 1926), Ep 29 (FREAKS), and Ep 87 (JEKYLL & HYDE). To see the full list of films ranked, visit screamscenepodcast.tumblr.com
The mummy Kharis returns in THE MUMMY'S TOMB (1942) from Universal Pictures, directed by Harold Young and starring Lon Chaney Jr and Turban Bey. What happens when Kharis comes knocking in small town America? Take a listen to find out!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 21:45; Discussion 38:07; Ranking 49:03
From Universal Pictures comes an unknown horror titled NIGHT MONSTER (1942)! Directed by Ford Beebe and starring Bela Lugosi, Lionel Atwill, Ralph Morgan, Irene Hervey, and more. It's an Old Dark House filled with frogs, mysticism, and... wait it's good?!
A man gets revenge on the three doctors who ruined his life... meanwhile Dr Harper heads to a Gothic mansion to diagnose a hysterical woman... meanwhile a terrifying creature roams the swamps, strangling victims and leaving mysterious pools of blood...
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 17:56; Discussion 44:17; Ranking 1:16:24
Your deadicated hosts reveal the origins of 20th Century Fox with DR RENAULT’S SECRET (1942) directed by Harry Lachman and starring our boy George Zucco with excellent acting from J Carrol Naish and Mike Mazurki. And surprise professional wrestling!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:07; Discussion 33:52; Ranking 52:17
From the Producers Releasing Corporation comes the Wolf Man ripoff film THE MAD MONSTER (Newfield 1942). The poverty row film stars George Zucco, Glenn Strange, Johnny Downs, & Anne Nagel. But how many more of these vengeful mad scientist plots can your deadicated hosts take?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 19:38; Discussion 36:32; Ranking 47:19.
Bela, brides, and botox!
Your deadicated hosts take on another of Bela Lugosi's Monogram Nine with THE CORPSE VANISHES (Fox 1942). Noted as one of his more bizarre Monogram films, your hosts decide just where this botox-inventing horror flick ranks.
Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:09; Discussion 36:48; Ranking 48:04
The fourth installment of Universal's Frankenstein franchise storms in with THE GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN (1942), directed by Erle C Kenton with Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jr, Cedric Hardwick, Lionel Atwill and Evelyn Ankers.
It's... fine. It offers more questions than answers, but even a competent film is... fine.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 35:59; Discussion 1:04:59; Ranking 1:23:54
Your deadicated hosts review THE MAD DOCTOR OF MARKET STREET (1942, Lewis), the last starring role for Lionel Atwill... but why would would this be the last time he'd star in a film? And what does Market Street have to do with a Polynesian island?
Featuring Una Merkel, Claire Dodd, Nat Pendleton, Richard Davies, and a whack of other characters in this over-stuffed film, including John Eldredge, Noble Johnson, Ray Mala, Rosina Galli, and Al Kikume.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:41; Discussion 26:26; Ranking 36:53
The Universal horror film that solidified werewolf myths and movies to come. It's 1941's THE WOLF MAN directed by George Waggner, written by Curt Siodmak, starring Lon Chaney Jr, Claude Rains, Ralph Bellamy, & Bela Lugosi.
We review how the werewolf myth has developed and was solidified by THE WOLF MAN, the history and cultural context around Rromani people, the Nazi allegories in the film crafted by Siodmak, and the effect World War II had on this film. All this and more in this (wolf)packed episode!
Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 1:00:11; Discussion 1:12:25; Ranking 1:50:25
Entering the ring is MGM's 1941 remake of DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE, directed by Victor Fleming and starring Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman, and Lana Turner!
The film challenges number one horror film on the list, 1931's DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE starring Fredric March... When you come at the king, you best not miss!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 51:44; Discussion 1:10:33; Ranking 1:40:12
It's yet another "inspired by Edgar Allen Poe" feature for your deadicated hosts... it's Universal Pictures' 1941 THE BLACK CAT (dir Rogell), with no relation to the 1934 horror of the same name.
Starring Basil Rathbone, Broderick Crawford, Hugh Herbert, and a very small role for Bela Lugosi, just where on the spectrum from comedy to horror does this film land?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 29:25; Discussion 40:57; Ranking 57:08
See the INVISIBLE GHOST (1941) with your deadicated hosts! Directed by Joseph H Lewis, the sole screenwriting credit of actress Helen Martin, it's the first of Bela Lugosi's Monogram Nine... but how will it fare when ranked?
Is it old-fashioned or homage? Is the story nonsense or genre convention? Are the events psychological or supernatural? We try to sort it all out in this week’s episode!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:44; Discussion 37:34; Ranking 1:04:01
Your deadicated hosts travel back to 1934 Mexico to review DOS MONJES, directed by horror-heavyweight Juan Bustillo Oro. And, while there is analysis of the horror genre, there's also in-depth discussion on... Catholicism?!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 13:05; Discussion 30:27; Ranking 56:56
It's a surprise double feature from Scream Scene for Halloween!
If that wasn't enough to entice you, your hosts cover MAN-MADE MONSTER (Waggner, 1941) featuring Lon Chaney Jr's horror film debut! George Waggner writes and directs this Universal Studios' horror starring returning icon Lionel Atwill.
We had a trick earlier today with HORROR ISLAND, but here's a real treat!
Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 21:46; Discussion 31:06; Ranking 54:18
Trick or treat, it's Halloween! Universal Studios takes another swing at horror with 1941's HORROR ISLAND, starring Dick Foran, Peggy Moran, Leo Carrillo and Fuzzy Knight.
Duelling singing cowboys and more characters you can count feature in this low-budget film directed by George Waggner. But do those ingredients add up to a horror-filled stew?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 17:29; Discussion 31:47; Ranking 36:36
Your deadicated hosts travel (further) back in time to review the 1934 Mexican horror classic EL FANTASMA DEL CONVENTO, directed & co-written by Fernando de Fuentes.
Do the Google Translate subtitles hold up? How does EL FANTASMA compare to LA LLORONA from 1933? Tune in and find out!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 14:18; Discussion 34:02; Ranking 54:15
When the Devil commands, Karloff obeys! THE DEVIL COMMANDS (Dmytryk 1941) brings together Gothic horror and science fiction with a little big of Hitchcock’s REBECCA (1940).
Adapted from William Sloane’s The Edge of Running Water and starring Karloff and Anne Revere, listen to hear how this film brings together a mad scientist and spirit medium for some great results.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 12:42; Discussion 21:21; Ranking 51:00
It's a fun but dumb spoopy film with Bela Lugosi in THE DEVIL BAT (Yarborough 1940)! It's a surprising hit with your deadicated hosts, despite being produced by the Producers Releasing Corporation, the cheapest poverty row studio there ever was.
Starring Bela Lugosi, Suzanne Kaaren, Dave O'Brien, Guy Usher, and Donald Kerr, plus a very early appearance of Arthur Q Bryan, the voice of Elmer Fudd!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:04; Discussion 14:51; Ranking 24:12
Where's the line between thriller and horror? Your deadicated hosts try to figure it out after watching THE DOOR WITH SEVEN LOCKS (Lee 1940), released in the US as CHAMBER OF HORRORS! Premiering right when London endured the Blitz, this pulp thriller features Leslie Banks, Lilli Palmer, Roomily Lunge, Gina Malo, and Richard Bird.
Plus, a special Halloween announcement for our Patrons of the Night! To join us on patreon, visit patreon.com/screamscenepodcast
Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 30:23; Discussion 43:24; Ranking 56:05
Your deadicated hosts encounter another Boris Karloff mad scientist flick, this time from Monogram Pictures, directed by William Nigh and written by Curt Siodmak. It's THE APE (1940)!
We discuss/rant about Hollywood's obsession with apes and ape-like creatures, and rave over the different ape-suit actors from the '40s, including Ray "Crash" Corrigan, featured in this film.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:26; Discussion 32:17; Ranking 46:36
Your deadicated hosts return to Universal Pictures for the reboot THE MUMMY'S HAND (1940), featuring Tom Tyler as toilet paper boy Kharis (not Boris Karloff), Dick Foran, Peggy Moran, Wallace Ford, and George Zucco. This is the missing link between the 1932 and 1999 mummy movies, but is there any substance underneath its wraps?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 28:56; Discussion 40:17; Ranking 57:48
Your deadicated hosts cover another sci fi horror flick starring Boris Karloff from director Nick Grinde: BEFORE I HANG (1940) features a unique take on the tried-and-true formula, but how much of it is original versus leftovers from other horror tropes?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 9:13; Discussion 18:40; Ranking 31:44
Your deadicated hosts watch a Columbia Pictures film directed by Nick Grinde starring Boris Karloff as a mad scientist playing with the forces of life and death. Wait... haven't we seen this one already? It's 1940's THE MAN WITH NINE LIVES!
A scientist's chilling experiments with frozen therapy go horribly awry in this sci fi horror starring Boris Karloff, Roger Pryor, and Jo Ann Sayers. We struggle with basic math and the implications of the ends justifying the means in this latest Columbia picture.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 12:10; Discussion 23:53; Ranking 45:53
Do we uncover a hidden gem, or do we need an eye exam? Our hindsight is 20/20 with this episode on 1940's DR CYCLOPS from Paramount Pictures! Starring Albert Dekker, Thomas Coley, Janice Logan, Charles Halton, and Victor Kilian.
Hear what our first three-tone technicolour horror film has in common with THE MUMMY, KING KONG, and others!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 24:55; Discussion 31:13; Ranking 50:16
Your deadicated hosts cover the history of race films in the segregated US for this episode on SON OF INGAGI (1940)! Will this first all African American cast horror film thrill us, or rehash old tropes? Take a listen to find out!
The film stars Laura Bowman, Alfred Grant, Daisy Bufford, Spencer Williams, and other African American actors unfortunately lost to time. Directed by Richard Kahn and written by Spencer Williams, does SON OF INGAGI have anything -- really -- to do with the 1930 exploitation film INGAGI? It's a quagmire of questions your hosts answer in this episode.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 20:39; Discussion 27:27; Ranking 39:24
What leads an audience member to scream? Director Arthur Lubin struggles with this question in 1940's BLACK FRIDAY, starring Boris Karloff, Stanley Ridges, and Bela Lugosi (sort of). This gangster/mad scientist horror flick montages its way across your screens for this week's Scream Scene!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 13:24; Discussion 20:05; Ranking 39:07
Introducing the one and only Vincent Price to the show is THE INVISIBLE MAN RETURNS (1940), directed by Joe May and co-starring Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Nan Grey. As the invisibility returns, will too the madness?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 25:14; Discussion 33:08; Ranking 48:26
Your deadicated hosts encounter Humphrey Bogart in his only horror film! It’s 1939’s THE RETURN OF DOCTOR X, directed by Vincent Sherman, and starring Wayne Morris, Rosemary Lane, our man Bogie, and Dennis Morgan. This sci fi horror flick has much in store, including some second-hand embarrassment…
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 24:20; Discussion 32:01; Ranking 47:17
What happens when you mix Scotland Yard, Bela Lugosi, and author Edgar Wallace together? Why, the police procedural thriller THE DARK EYES OF LONDON (1939) from director Walter Summers! It received the H rating for 'Horrific' upon release, but is it really?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 22:39; Discussion 28:30; Ranking 44:45
Victor Halperin returns to Scream Scene with 1939's TORTURE SHIP! This horror film offers a terrifying premise, but listen in to see how stars Lyle Talbot, Irving Pichel, and Jacqueline Wells fare on these choppy waters...
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:28; Discussion 24:40; Ranking 34:11
Monitor your heart palpitations for Karloff's 1939 THE MAN THEY COULD NOT HANG, featuring the fantastical notion of on-pump heart surgery! This science fiction old dark house horror flick is directed by Nick Grinde and co-starring Lorna Gray and Robert Wilcox.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:30; Discussion 26:35; Ranking 49:12
Peer through the window pane for Tod Slaughter and George King's THE FACE AT THE WINDOW (1939), another Victorian horror film? Well, your deadicated hosts duke it out over whether this adaptation of the stage melodrama fits the bill or not.
Just what does this vintage thriller have in store?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 18:37; Discussion 24:39; Ranking 35:02
Horror returns after a three-year gap with 1939's SON OF FRANKENSTEIN, directed by Rowland Lee. What changed in America that Universal Studios was willing to raise this dead genre? How far does this apple fall from the Frankenstein tree? And how do Basil Rathbone, Lionel Atwill, and Bela Lugosi stand in comparison to Boris Karloff as the Monster?
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 38:59; Discussion 48:06; Ranking 1:09:07
It's the last horror flick before the three year break the world took from horror between 1936 to 1939... Boris Karloff stars in THE MAN WHO CHANGED HIS MIND (1936), from director Robert Stevenson.
We share what caused film industries around the world to change their mind about horror as we review this film from Gainsborough Pictures.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 14:48; Discussion 20:21; Ranking 32:04
Your deadicated hosts cover Eddie Mannix, A Merritt, and more in the last horror film from Tod Browning: THE DEVIL-DOLL (1936)!
With giant over-sized props, a dark family drama, and a cross-dressing toymaker, this film is anything but boring.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 16:35; Discussion 27:13; Ranking 41:38
The Halperin Brothers return in the 1936 independent American horror film REVOLT OF THE ZOMBIES! Hoping to return to their WHITE ZOMBIE success, the Halperins head to... Cambodia? To look for... zombies?? In the midst of a... love triangle???
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 29:27; Discussion 37:45; Ranking 46:40
Your deadicated hosts dive into the demise of the Laemmle Family and the last gasp of the American horror boom... all this and more in the very complicated background of Lambert Hillyer's 1936 DRACULA'S DAUGHTER!
Just what is vampirism being used as a metaphor for? From queerness to mental health to addiction, the lines are blurry but your hosts set themselves to the task of figuring it out.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 49:18; Discussion 56:18; Ranking 1:26:32
Born-for-the-role Tod Slaughter stars in this 1936 Quota Quickie adaptation of SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET, directed by George King! Featuring a lively discussion of Penny Dreadfuls, British Quota Quickies, and Victorian literary genre conventions.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 27:08; Discussion 35:16; Ranking 55:12
The Warner Brothers try their hand at horror yet again with 1936's THE WALKING DEAD starring show favourite Boris Karloff and directed by Michael Curtiz. See just what this film noir-prototype has to offer...
Hint: it's not zombies!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:55; Discussion 30:29; Ranking 54:14
Bonjour! Your deadicated hosts travel to France for 1936’s LE GOLEM, directed by Julien Duvivier and starring Harry Baur and Charles Dorat!
What is this film’s relation to Paul Wegener’s earlier classic(s), or even to the horror genre? Listen and find out! Mon Dieu!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 24:30; Ranking 39:31
Your deadicated hosts are back in America for some classic cotton candy horror. Starring Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, it's 1936's THE INVISIBLE RAY directed by Lambert Hillyer! It's the first in a few genre developments: B-movie scifi and slasher flicks.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 14:08; Discussion 28:51; Ranking 49:22
It's part two of horror in Nazi Germany! Your deadicated hosts cover FÄHRMANN MARIA, a 1936 horror/occult film directed by Franz Wysbar and starring Sybille Schmitz & Peter Voss.
What happened to the film industry before, during and after WWII? Why do horror films end in Nazi Germany? And how has German Expressionism morphed from its first incarnation to now? All this and more in this episode!
Context setting 00:00; synopsis 33:40; discussion 39:39; ranking 1:09:01
Your deadicated hosts travel to Nazi Germany for one of two horror films made in the Third Reich... What did the Nazification of the German film industry look like? We get a pretty good idea from this 1935 remake of DER STUDENT VON PRAG starring Anton Walbrook, Theodor Loos, and Dorothea Wieck; directed by Arthur Robison.
Context setting 00:00; synopsis 40:14; discussion 52:03; ranking 1:15:35
Your deadicated hosts take on THE CRIME OF DR CRESPI (1935) out of Republic Pictures! This poverty row picture brings together Dwight Frye (!) and Erich von Stroheim (!!) in this strange adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's short story, "The Premature Burial."
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 24:39; Discussion 31:18; Ranking 38:34
Your deadicated hosts swoon through Frank Strayer's 1935 horror CONDEMNED TO LIVE, covering the beginnings of poverty row studio Republic Pictures. Starring Ralph Morgan, Maxine Doyle, Russell Gleason, and Mischa Auer, and featuring a whole lot of meh.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:52; Discussion 23:59; Ranking 34:39
Boris Karloff and Boris Karloff star in the 1935 Columbia horror THE BLACK ROOM, directed by Roy William Neill! Joining Karloff is Marian Marsh, Robert Allen, Thurston Hall, and Katherine DeMille!
This well-structured film shows us how to go beyond painting-by-numbers and experience the thrill of seeing how the pieces come together.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 11:37; Discussion 20:25; Ranking 46:29
Peter Lorre steals the show as Dr Gogol in MAD LOVE, directed by Karl Freund! You'll go-go for Gogol in this 1935 adaptation of Maurice Renard's novel Les Mains d'Orlac. Hear how this film compares to others on the list in episode 52 of Scream Scene.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 28:57; Discussion 39:26; Ranking 1:03:40
Vaguely inspired by Edgar Allan Poe comes 1935's THE RAVEN starring our favourite boys Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff! Directed by working man director Louis Friedlander, this film hits all the horror notes, Bateman!
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 23:22; Discussion 35:55; Ranking 51:59
AWOOO! It's the first Hollywood werewolf picture ever, but your deadicated hosts find that its bark is worse than its bite: it's Universal's 1935 WEREWOLF OF LONDON directed by Stuart Walker and starring Henry Hull, Warner Oland, Valerie Hobson, and Lester Matthews.
Context setting 00:00; synopsis 25:07; discussion 39:09; ranking 58:06
Tod Browning and Bela Lugosi chase past glories in this 1935 horror MARK OF THE VAMPIRE! This remake of Browning's 1927 LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT features a truly Halloween atmosphere with Lionel Barrymore, Elizabeth Allan, Lionel Atwill, and Jean Hersholt.
Context setting 00:00; synopsis 33:18; discussion 43:04; ranking 1:07:24
The monster demands a mate! Your deadicated hosts dive into Whale's 1935 sequel BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN! Featuring the return of Colin Clive, Boris Karloff, and Ernest Thesiger, and introducing Elsa Lanchester into horror!
What is the relationship of horror to camp? To goth or queer culture? And, of course, a thorough discussion of how BRIDE relates to its preceding film, FRANKENSTEIN.
Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 44:21; Discussion 1:04:30; Ranking 1:49:27
On a very special episode of Scream Scene: your deadicated hosts tackle the Hollywood Motion Picture Production Code, William H Hays, Joseph Breen, and how the 1934 amendment and enforcement affected horror, and all, films until 1968.
MANIAC, also known as SEX MANIAC is your deadicated hosts' first foray into exploitation horror -- and certainly won't be the last. Beware, this 1934 Dwain Esper classic is something to be experienced to truly be believed! Context setting 00:00; synopsis 21:20; discussion 37:23; ranking 43:37.
Columbia Pictures offers us our last pre-code horror film: the disappointing BLACK MOON (1934) directed by Roy William Neill and starring Jack Holt, Fay Wray, and Dorothy Burgess. Based off the 1933 novel of the same name by Clements Ripley. It's, uh, not good.
The film that could not possibly fail... your deadicated hosts review Edgar G Ulmer's 1934 pre-code classic THE BLACK CAT, bringing together Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, with third wheels David Manners and Julie Bishop.
Hungary and Austria collide in this film about a satanic cultist by a Czech director. To contextualize this conflict, we cover Austria-Hungary's role in World War One. It's relevant, we promise!
Context setting 00:00; synopsis 34:32; discussion 43:31; ranking 1:19:55
Your deadicated hosts review the poverty row film from Monogram Pictures HOUSE OF MYSTERY (1934) directed by William Nigh and starring Ed Lowry and Verna Hillie. Discover the mysterious origins of this Old Dark House rip-off, with added monkey!
Context setting 00:00; synopsis 14:03; discussion 22:52; ranking 34:36
From the behind-the-scenes drama of James Whale's 1933 horror THE INVISIBLE MAN, to HG Wells' writing process, your deadicated hosts explore Claude Rains' iconic role as the Invisible Man!
Context setting 00:00; synopsis 26:01; discussion 40:01; ranking 1:03:33
Your deadicated hosts uncover a copy of Ramón Peón's 1933 horror LA LLORONA with "English subtitles." Hear the stories behind Mexico's first horror film, and legendary Crying Woman legend!
Context setting 00:00; synopsis 22:25; discussion 33:39; ranking 43:38
Boris Karloff returns to the UK and to the show with T Hayes Hunter's 1933 THE GHOUL; our first British horror film, and the first film rated H for horror!
Context setting 00:00; synopsis 20:08; discussion 32:49; ranking 50:57
Your deadicated hosts encounter the pre-code poverty-row picture NIGHT OF TERROR from 1933 directed by Benjamin Stoloff. Despite what Bela Lugosi brings to this horror film, NIGHT OF TERROR is overwhelmingly monotonous and derivative of many films before it.
Context setting 00:00; synopsis 10:28; discussion 20:11; ranking 33:29
The deadicated hosts confront the first so-bad-it's-good film on the list: SUPERNATURAL (1933) from the Halperin Bros starring Carole Lombard and Alan Dinehart.
Context setting: 00:00; synopsis 12:29; discussion 27:34; ranking 41:07
Your deadicated hosts review Paramount Pictures' 1933 MURDERS IN THE ZOO, featuring the myriad of actors who either before or after this movie had established careers in law, politics, and the military. Plus, the spooky history of zoos!
Context setting 00:00; synopsis 27:32; discussion 45:36; ranking 1:11:32
The deadicated hosts talk the morbid origins of wax figures and the lines between mystery thrillers & horror in this review of Curtiz's 1933 two-tone technicolour horror MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM starring Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, and Glenda Farrell.
Context setting 00:00; synopsis 26:11; discussion 37:41; ranking 1:05:33
Your deadicated hosts endure Majestic Pictures' 1933 mockbuster THE VAMPIRE BAT, directed by Frank Strayer and starring Fay Wray, Lionel Atwill, Melvyn Douglas and Dwight Frye!
Context setting 00:00; plot summary 13:06; discussion 23:33; ranking 39:44
In this adaptation of HG Wells' "The Island of Doctor Moreau," the deadicated hosts dive in to Erle C Kenton's 1932 ISLAND OF LOST SOULS, starring Charles Laughton and Richard Arlen, a film banned in the UK for showing vivisection and its transgressive subject matter.
Context setting 00:00; plot summary 28:52; discussion 39:20; ranking 1:16:45
It's a bonus episode! The deadicated hosts find and review Richard Oswald's 1932 UNHEIMLICHE GESCHICHTEN, featuring a journalist (Harald Paulsen) hounding a charismatic murderer (Paul Wegener), which surely has no relation to historical context...
Context setting 00:00; plot summary 33:59; discussion 46:41; ranking 1:05:52
Our deadicated hosts review Karl Freund's directorial debut, 1932's THE MUMMY, starring Boris Karloff! We give historical context to both Ancient Egyptian burial practices and the film itself, while discussing the film's tepid middle-of-the-road nature and relationship with racism & colonialism.
Context setting 00:00; plot summary 39:32; discussion 47:36; ranking 1:23:52
The deadicated hosts review the second James Whale film for the list: 1932's OLD DARK HOUSE, starring Boris Karloff & a merry cast. What we find locked in the closet is a horror that we all can relate to...
This classic goes on to define the genre of Old Dark House horror, and with good reason. From the novel adaptation, to the character-driven horror on screen, we discuss the positives of offering just enough backstory.
Context setting 00:00; plot summary 27:43; discussion 38:47; ranking 1:24:38
Your deadicated hosts tackle DOCTOR X (1932) by Michael Curtiz, starring Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, and Lee Tracy! We discuss sssynthetic flesshhhh, two-tone technicolor, and how we feel about horror and comedy... again! Context setting 00:00; plot summary 22:31; discussion 33:40; ranking 1:08:10
From Haiti's history, the film's racist themes, and it's silent film-inspired cinematography, your deadicated hosts dive in to the Halperin Bros' 1932 WHITE ZOMBIE, starring Bela Lugosi! Our first zombie movie!
Context setting 00:00; plot summary 42:51; discussion 55:59; ranking 1:27:25
Carl Th Dreyer's 1932 horror film VAMPYR is exhumed and discussed in this episode of Scream Scene! How does it fare in comparison to Epstein's Fall of the House of Usher?
Context 00:00; plot summary 32:52; discussion 49:42; ranking 1:23:53
The deadicated hosts cover the film that ruined two men’s careers… 1932’s MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE, starring Bela Lugosi, directed by Robert Florey. What happened behind the scenes to make this transgressive horror film so disjointed?
Context setting 00:00; plot summary 32:31; discussion 50:03; ranking 1:11:45
Meet Tod Browning's cast of FREAKS from 1932! Our deadicated hosts learn the production history of this unique film, share details about a few of the performers, and discuss how FREAKS fits within a unique horror subgenre. Context setting 00:00; plot summary 25:55; discussion 41:27; ranking 1:01:35
The deadicated hosts rely on their prescription glasses to see just what Frank R. Strayer's 1932 indie horror The Monster Walks is about... family lineage? An ape on the loose? Who knows? Starring Mischa Auer, with Willie Best.
Context setting 00:00; plot summary 17:01; discussion 25:30; ranking 40:33
The deadicated hosts uncover the mystery around Rouben Mamoulian's 1931 pre-Code horror film Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde starring Fredric March!
Context setting 00:00; plot summary 29:27; discussion 40:56; ranking 1:13:34
The deadicated hosts take on James Whale's 1931 classic Frankenstein! Starring Colin Clive and Boris Karloff. From Mary Shelley's life and the novel's origins, to the film's unique production history, there's all that and more in this terror-filled episode!
Mary Shelley and novel background 00:00; film background 33:34; plot summary 51:25; discussion 1:03:30; ranking 1:42:38
This week, the deadicated hosts watch Drácula from 1931, directed by George Melford! We explain just what this Spanish version of Browning's classic film is, how it came to be, and about the stars Carlos Villarías and Lupita Tovar. Context setting 00:00; summary 13:39; discussion 17:07; ranking 42:54
Tod Browning's 1931 Dracula starring Bela Lugosi, Dwight Frye, Edward Van Sloan, and Helen Chandler wows the deadicated hosts as this film defines the American horror genre.
Context setting 00:00; summary 40:34; discussion 47:05; ranking 1:21:33
Our deadicated hosts face their first sound picture... Roland West's remake of The Bat... The Bat Whispers (1930)! Starring Chester Morris and Una Merkel, with the history of sound in film, the Great Depression, and more! Context setting 00:00; summary 28:32; discussion 31:30; ranking 52:54
The deadicated hosts travel to France for Jean Epstein's 1928 La Chute de la maison Usher (The Fall of the House of Usher), where we disappoint our film profs in our description of French Impressionism. We also talk about Edgar Allen Poe!
Context 00:00; summary 28:41; discussion 33:47; ranking 57:45
The deadicated hosts test even their resolve with Henrik Galeen's 1928 "German expressionist horror" film Alraune, starring Brigitte Helm and Paul Wegener. Context setting 00:00; summary 15:43; discussion 26:37; ranking 36:58
Lon Chaney returns with director Tod Browning and upcoming actress Joan Crawford in 1927's The Unknown! Our deadicated hosts discuss the film's title, the history of American circuses, and whether the film fits in the horror genre.
00:00 context setting; 20:26 summary; 27:23 discussion; 39:40 ranking
It's the film that inspired Universal's horror franchise... Paul Leni's The Cat and The Canary from 1927! Our deadicated hosts talk Leni's boundary-pushing and inventive direction and cinematography, as well as US horror tropes and dental hygiene. Context setting 00:00; summary 15:49; discussion 31:30; ranking 51:30
Our deadicated hosts return to Germany to review our first remake... Der Student von Prag (1926), directed by Henrik Galeen and starring Conrad Veidt and Werner Krauss. We discuss how the remake, German Expressionism, and even Veidt's acting have evolved since our last viewings! Context setting 00:00; summary 22:14; discussion 46:10; ranking 1:02:38
From director Rex Ingram, our deadicated hosts review The Magician (1926), starring Alice Terry, Paul Wegener, and Ivan Petrovich. Based off W. Somerset Maugham's novel inspired by the infamous Aleister Crowley. Context setting 00:00; summary 20:48; discussion 30:48; ranking 53:53
We tackle Roland West's follow up to The Monster... The Bat (1926)! This comedy-horror (thriller?) is based off the 1920 Broadway hit by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood.
What are the differences between a horror and thriller? Does comedy affect whether The Bat is a horror film? Our deadicated hosts discuss this and more in this episode.
Context setting 00:00; summary 21:53; discussion 30:50; ranking 53:29
The deadicated hosts watch the earliest surviving werewolf movie, Wolf Blood: A Tale of the Forest (1925) directed by and starring George Chesebro. Blood transfusions, loup-garou folklore, and Canadian logging operations abound! Context setting 00:00; summary 14:33; discussion 22:42; ranking 37:50
In our longest episode yet, our deadicated hosts cover all things Phantom of the Opera! From the 1925 film's many releases, to the Opera House itself, there's plenty to hear in this review of the 1925/1929 Phantom of the Opera, directed by Rupert Julian & co, starring Lon Chaney. Context setting 00:00; intermission 44:12; summary 46:10; discussion 1:01:21; ranking 1:29:19
Our deadicated hosts return to the US to review Roland West's 1925 horror-comedy The Monster, with the Scream Scene debut of Lon Chaney! Slapstick, the origins of MGM, and Lon Chaney abounds in this Rocky Horror Monster Show of an episode. Context setting 00:00; summary 26:38; discussion 37:17; ranking 47:24.
Our deadicated hosts return to director Robert Wiene with his 1924 film Orlacs Hände with Conrad Veidt, Alexandra Sorina, and Fritz Kortner. What has Wiene and Veidt been up to since Caligari? What is the history of organ transplants? Find out this and more in our twelfth episode! Context setting 00:00; post intermission 21:57; summary 28:52; discussion 52:23; ranking 1:01:19
Our deadicated hosts Ben and Sarah discuss just where Benjamin Christensen's 1922 documentary horror film Häxan / Witchcraft Through The Ages fits on the list... and should they have included it in the first place? Context setting 00:11; Film summary and discussion 23:28
Our deadicated hosts tackle FW Murnau's 1922 film Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens; our first vampire film! We cover a lot, from the folkloric origins of vampires to the film's copyright issues as an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Context setting 00:00; film summary 42:14; discussion 59:24; ranking 1:22:11
Legend dictates that the last soul to die on New Year's Eve must drive the Phantom Carriage for the next year. Our deadicated hosts Ben and Sarah review Körkarlen (1921, Sjöström), also known as The Phantom Carriage. Also known as Thy Soul Shall Bear Witness! Opening context 0:00; trigger warning 21:50; summary 22:08; discussion 36:33; ranking 57:30.
We're back with Paul Wegener, and his 1920 film Der Golem, Wie Er In Die Welt Kam! Is this a horror movie? Is it even German expressionist? Listen to hear what our deadicated hosts Ben and Sarah have to say about The Golem, How He Came Into The World.
Deadicated hosts Ben and Sarah tackle the German follow up to Dr Caligari... Genuine, Die Tragödie Eines Seltsamen Hauses, directed by Robert Wiene from 1920. We cover the differences between the original and the US release (retitled Genuine, A Tale of a Vampire), and (attempt) to decipher the long history of fearing women's sexuality. Oh my!
It's our third Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde episode, this time featuring John Barrymore in his 1920 performance, directed by John Robertson. Our deadicated hosts Ben and Sarah learn about the Barrymore acting dynasty and more, in the sixth episode of Scream Scene.
Our first famous film! Deadicated hosts Ben and Sarah "get woke" as they review 1920's Das Cabinet des Dr Caligari (dir Robert Weine) and uncover the forgotten history of Italophobia in the US and Europe.
This week our hosts review Unheimliche Geschichten (1919) by Richard Oswald. Our first film with horror star Conrad Veidt!
DW Griffith's The Avenging Conscience (1914) is ripped to shreds by our hosts Ben and Sarah with special appearances by Moses, Jesus, and Pan.
See where we rank The Avenging Conscience on our list at screamscenepodcast.tumblr.com/the-list/
Our hosts Ben and Sarah welcome you creature of the night to our second episode and our review of Der Student von Prag from 1913, by Paul Wegener.
We begin our tale of horror with a mystery; just what is Scream Scene? Who are our mysterious hosts? And, how do we decipher between terror and horror? Listen as our deadicated hosts Sarah and Ben watch the very first horror films ever made.
Films reviewed this episode: Le Manoir du Diable (1896, Melies) Le Chateau Hante (1897, Melies) The Haunted Curiosity Shop (1901, Booth) Le Monstre (1903, Melies) Le Chaudron Infernal (1903, Melies) The Sealed Room (1909, Griffith) Frankenstein (1910, Dawley) Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1912, Henderson) Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1913, Brenon)
Introducing Scream Scene, the horror movie podcast where your hosts watch every horror movie ever made in chronological order, then rank them best to worst.
Along the way we share film history, behind the scenes details, as well as social and historical context to better understand how and why these horror films were made.
Join us, creatures of the night, on Spotify, SoundCloud and wherever fine podcasts are found.
And see the full list of currently ranked movies at https://screamscenepodcast.tumblr.com/