Fantasy Spectacles on Sundays

I was never into sports that much as a kid, well, I take that back. During baseball season I liked listening to the Pittsburgh Pirates on the radio and collecting 8X10 color photographs of those Pirates of the 1970s that were given out with “fill-ups” at a local gas station. Those ware the days of gas station attendants that would fill up your tank for you, and check your oil. Remember the long black snake hoses that would “ding” as Dad drove across them. It would alert the attendant that there was a car to service. A grease stained red or blue rag would hang out of the guy’s back pocket.

But, I was less interested in football. So when Sundays rolled around and I was home or visiting grandparents that we frequently did, I really wasn’t watching too much football. Before or after games there was something that interested me more on TV. It seems many networks and local stations would play fantasy spectacles and epics. Movies would air like JASON AND THE ARGONAUNTS, JACK THE GIANT KILLER, THE THIEF OF BAGDAD, THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BROTHERS GRIMM, THE MAGIC SWORD or THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD.

Those movies had the adventure, magic…and sometimes monsters that I was ever on the lookout for. I would be glued to the TV as my father or grandfather awaited the beginning of a game. Then when football was on, or golf….I would pull out a copy of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND magazine or a STRANGE TALES Marvel Comic that featured Dr. Strange and Nick Fury.

Another place I saw those fantasy epics would be at “Kiddie Matinees” in a local theater. They would re-issue some of those for Saturday and Sunday shows aimed at kids. There was nothing like seeing the giant creatures of stop-motion Dynamation master Ray Harryhausen on a giant screen. Even that fire-breathing dragon from Bert I. Gordon in THE MAGIC SWORD was simply amazing on a big screen when I was about 7 years old.

There was color and pageantry of far-off lands where magical things happened and there was action and mystery at every open market bazaar. That was the stuff of dreams and wonder.

Ron Adams
Ligonier, PA
May 2020

On with the show, now let’s check out the new cool stuff and classic monster news…

Back in Stock! The Spectacle of Monsters and a Hero

The adventure, fun and youthful excitement is still there with JACK THE GIANT KILLER (1962). Full of majesty and vivid color, this film was great on the big screen and super on your home set-up. We’ve just re-stocked from Kino-Lorber this brilliant film on Blu-Ray and DVD:

JACK THE GIANT KILLER (1962/Kino-Lorber) – Blu-Ray or DVD
A princess is kidnapped, a fierce giant monster is on a rampage and flying witch-harpies attack a ship. Sound neat? It is. Similar in many ways to THE SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD (including star Kerwin Matthews) this made a big splash with ticket-buying monster kids of the 60’s. A bit grittier and spookier than 7TH VOYAGE; this has more horror elements. Special effects by Jim Danforth. Includes the uncut original version at 94 minutes, plus the re-edited musical version at 91 minutes. Audio commentary by Tim Lucas. Original trailer.

Get JACK THE GIANT KILLER (1962) in our Complete DVD Catalog on-line or our Blu-Ray Department…order right now and get it fast from Creepy Classics!

You Can “Hyde” at MONSTER BASH!

It’s on-line, the schedule of events for the June MONSTER BASH! Once again, it was very hard to schedule as we simply had too many great events and features to get in there. We had to drop a few things…which will appear at our October show.

Direct link to the schedule: https://www.monsterbashnews.com/schedule.html

It’s another jam-packed, no-sleep, 3-day weekend. You won’t want to miss a single thing.

Keep in mind that events are subject to change. All systems are go, with back-up dates of July 24-26, 2020. We’ll announce whether we need the back-up dates on June 2 after a meeting with the hotel on the 1st of June.

We’ll be ready to finally get out, and what a way to start…with your MONSTER BASH friends!

All the details, vendors, and guest listings are here: www.monsterbash.us

Artist Vin Davis Submitted This!

I want to thank Vin Davis for sharing his fantastic art (above) and his super nice sentiment here.

Gotta keep the classic monsters going! -Ron

Items From the FJA Private Collection

These items were acquired by super fan, Malcolm Gittins. They came from Forrest J Ackerman’s private collection. For those of you that don’t know (although if you’re reading this, you probably do!), Forrest J Ackerman was the founding editor of FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND magazine. He got this whole collection fever going…and the fire has never gone out.

Here’s what Malcolm says about these, that he has so graciously shared with us fellow fans:

Dear Ron, I just wanted to share some really cool things…Recently I began buying original photos and other items once owned by Forry! Two different sets arrived so far, and a third is on its way! I am so happy to be able to own stuff from his collection! So now, a part of his collection will now reside with me, and I’m thrilled to say that!
Here are just a few of the amazing goodies!

See you soon,
Malcolm

The New Trailer For MONSTER BASH OCTOBERFEST 2020

Get ready, get set…for MONSTER BASH OCTOBERFEST 2020. This is the new preview trailer for the October Bash. Here’s the direct link produced by Kevin Slick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWNG8MhSvs0.

All the info on the October show…Click Here!

New! More Vintage Fantastic Classic Scholastic

Throwback time. It’s 5th grade all over again and the Scholastic Book order just came in. Your teacher is calling out names for you to come up to her desk and get your book order! The excitement of getting your books…the mysteries, the ghost stories, the magic books.

More titles entering our retro hallowed halls include: TV FAVORITES, HEROES AND MONSTERS OF GREEK MYTH, ONE WEEK OF DANGER, THE MARVELOUS INVENTIONS OF ALVIN FERNALD, MISS PICKERELL GOES TO MARS, THE SHAGGY DOG, THE MYSTERIOUS SHRINKING HOUSE, MRS. COVERLET’S MAGICIANS, A CROCODILE’S TALE and more!

Re-live it all one more time…order your Scholastic Books in our Scholastic Book Department at Creepy Classics. They’ll be in your mail box or at your door fast. The wait and excitement is on…but, you won’t have to wait too long now!

The Kids are Exited! It’s the Latest Issue of MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE.

Get your copy of the latest MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE right now! Don’t miss out on getting it right away from Creepy Classics…home of MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE.

This is it….what a cool ghoul issue:

MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE #39 – Magazine
Wow! This issue is packed with great articles: Bela Lugosi’s Ygor, Lon Chaney’s Inner Sanctum series, Jack Pierce and THE WOLF MAN, Tom Weaver’s TERROR IN THE WAX MUSEUM interview, Monster Music stax of weird wax, Fan Flashbacks and more. Writers include Tom Weaver, John DeGarmo, Leonard Hayhurst, Thom Shubilla, Ron Adams…cover art by FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND classic artist Basil Gogos!

Order before midnight, so you don’t forget!, CLICK HERE, or call (724) 238-4317.

It’s in our “Monster Bash Magazine Department” now at Creepy Classics!

New! We’re All Getting THE CREEPS…

Just like the old days…we’re still nervous picking up the latest issue thinking Mom might find it and throw it away. The retro gruesome black and white horror comic magazine that’s just just like the CREEPY and EERIE magazines we remember and loved:

THE CREEPS #25 – Magazine
The best in illustrated horror that gives you THE CREEPS! Rich Sala’s great CREEPS magazine is just like CREEPY or EERIE back in the 1970s. Great black and white horror comics in retro fashion. Stories include The Frankenstein Factor, The Other Lodgers, Mis-Stake-En Identity and more.

Get THE CREEPS #25, or check out all the issues of THE CREEPS available in our THE CREEPS Department here at Creepy Classics!

Ghidorah Rocks

Here’s what Creepy Classics/Monster Bash reader Thom Shubilla has been doing. He built and painted his KING GHIDORAH model kit. He sent in the above photo of his completed project, proudly on display.

You can grab one of these kits yourself:

KING GHIDORAH (65th Anniversary Series) – Big Model Kit
Godzilla’s nemesis, King Ghidorah, can now be constructed in 1/350 scale with this snap fit model kit from polar lights. Made of plastic, Snap fit design. Paint and glue not included. Re-release of the Aurora Ghidorah kit. Model includes base and nameplate.

It’s in our Models, Toys & Action Figures Department, here at Creepy Classics!

YES! NOW….BACK IN STOCK! THE BLU-RAY OF THIS! Our first case went like hotcakes. Now it’s BAAAAACK!

One of the greatest pre-code horror films ever….filmed in that surreal early two-strip technicolor. Restored with new bonus features too….one of the most exciting releases of the year from the Warner Studio vaults and available on Blu-Ray or DVD:

THE MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM (1933) – Blu-Ray or DVD
Early color horror! Lionel Atwill is a sculptor who tries to save his work when a the building owner wants to burn the museum for insurance money. Atwill is knocked unconscious and left to die. He survives…now completely insane. He uses real dead bodies to mold wax over for his new exhibits. A horrifying climax with a great “unmasking” scene with help from the lovely Fay Wray. New extras: Fay Wray documentary, restoration featurette, commentaries.

It is in stock now at Creepy Classics and ready to ship immediately to your creaky door!

Get it in our New Blu-Ray & DVD Department here at Creepy Classics.

Made-For-TV Horror Movies

In the 1970s there developed a product that was the perfect fill-in during the week. Something that would hold us over until the weekend. It was the made-for-TV horror movie. Mom and Dad would usually watch them too.

They seemed to just pour out in the 1970s and they were a great way to end an evening of homework. They usually started at around 9PM and I had to get permission to stay up an extra half hour (school nights) to see these movies through the end.

The biggest impact of these made-for-TV horrors had to be THE NIGHT STALKER in 1972. And, one particular scene got me good. It was when the powerful vampire is caught stealing blood from a hospital and literally throws a guy through an upper floor window like he was a rag doll. I thought, whoah. Not only is this guy supernatural, scary, drinks blood…but he’s as strong as a superman. That was one monster not to be messed with.

There were so many of these in the 1970s and early 1980s. THE HOUSE THAT WOULDN’T DIE (scared me), THE HORROR AT 37,000 FEET (scared me), NIGHT GALLERY (The pilot movie…scared me), THE NIGHT STRANGLER, DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK, DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW, TRILOGY OF TERROR (Zuni doll), SALEM’S LOT (Ahhhhhh, the kid vampire at the window!) and so on.

Now GARGOYLES got me for a special reason that was a little too close to home. It featured these big Gargoyle creatures and in one scene a gargoyle (thump!) lands on the roof of the family’s station wagon. They couldn’t get away! What electrified me like a lightning bolt is that my family had a station wagon too (a silver-gray 1967 Dodge). Needless to say, I thought of that the next time I was in the backseat of the car, looking up.

Made-for-TV horror movies…their own little sub-genre of the creepy movies we love.

Ron Adams
Ligonier, PA
May 2020

P.S. – Since it’s Mother’s Day weekend…thanks again Mom. Thanks for letting me stay up late to see the end of the movies. Forever grateful.

On with the show, now let’s check out the new cool stuff and classic monster news…

Those Made-For TV Horrors on Blu-Ray or DVD

Many of those great made-for-TV horror movies are available on Blu-Ray or DVD….grab yours and then they’ll grab you! Here are some available at Creepy Classics:

THE NIGHT STALKER (1972) – Blu-Ray or DVD
Barry Atwater is giving Chris Lee a run for his money as a powerful hissing vampire that just won’t quit. Darren McGavin portrays Kolchak, the monster hunter for the first time. 4K restoration, interviews, featurette and more extras!

THE NIGHT STRANGLER (1973/Kino) – Blu-Ray or DVD
Follow up to THE NIGHT STALKER with Darren McGavin back as the modern day gumshoe! This time it’s a modern day Jack-The-Ripper type on the rampage…with a supernatural twist. It seems the killer has resurfaced every 21 years….for over a century! Kolchak tracks the phantom to the underground old city below Seattle. A brand new 4K restoration. Extras: commentary, behind-the-scenes featurette and more!

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK (1973) – Blu-Ray or DVD
Stars Kim Darby and Jim Hutton. It’s those crazy gremlins in the furnace! A young couple buys an old house and the wife discovers evil little creatures in the basement that chase her endlessly around the house….whispering nasty things to her. Her husband thinks she’s crazy….but she knows the truth.

DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW (1981) – Blu-Ray or DVD
Stars Charles Durning. From 1969 to the early eighties, hundreds of “Made-For-TV” movies were produced. A great number of them were horror films and many were actually very, very good. Spooky images, grave-digging and a top performance by Charles Durning as a sweaty pig of a man. A chilling delight. Don’t miss this one — one of the best Made-For-TV movies.

THE HOUSE THAT WOULD NOT DIE (1970) – DVD
Stars Barbara Stanwyck, Kitty Winn and Richard Egan. A woman inherits a Revolutionary War house in Amish country. It is haunted by ghosts that begin to take hold of those living in the house. Scary made-for-TV horror from 1970.

THE HORROR AT 37,000 FEET (1973) – DVD
Stars William Shatner, Chuck Conners, Buddy Ebsen and Tammy Grimes. Little talked about, but one of the strangest and good made-for-TV horror films of the 1970s. A bodacious cast with Shatner as a disillusioned ex-priest and Chuck Conners as a no-nonsense pilot. An ancient, haunted altar is being shipped overseas on a flight from an archeological find. The thing begins creating supernatural manifestations aboard the flight….including controlling the plane and it’s climate. Reminiscent of a NIGHT GALLERY episode in feel.

NIGHT GALLERY (1969-1973) – DVD Box Set
Includes the original pilot movie and every episode of the TV show! From stories based on H.P. Lovecraft to Rod Serling originals…Serling hosts this amazing horror series that was at times thought provoking like TWILIGHT ZONE, but more often terrifying. 98 stories with stars like Vincent Price, Elsa Lanchester, John Carradine and scores more! Loads of extras.

TRILOGY OF TERROR (1975/Kino) – Blu-Ray or DVD
Karen Black in a classic made-for-TV movie. She portrays four different women in three stories. The final tale is unforgettable with the toothy Zuni hunter doll that is possessed by an evil spirit. 4K restoration. Commentary by Karen Black, featurettes and more!

SALEM’S LOT (1979) – Blu-Ray or DVD
A vampire that comes to town…maybe your town! A weird antique dealer (James Mason) knows the truth…David Soul and a young boy are out to save the town from a vampire infestation. The awesome looking vampire king, reminiscent of NOSFERATU, has taken hold in Salem’s Lot. Also stars Lew Ayers. Extras include trailer and commentary by the director. 183 minutes.

RETURN TO SALEM’S LOT (1987) – DVD
An anthropologist travels to the town of Salem’s Lot. He finds it inhabited by a pack of vampires. They capture the man and have him record their history and do his bidding.

All available in our Creepy Blu-Ray Department or Complete DVD Catalog on-line at Creepy Classics!

New! Who Knows What Evil Lurks….? The Shadow Knows

The original cliffhanger serial is now available from the vaults of Columbia Studios! THE SHADOW (1940) starring Victor Jory and running 15 chapters and over four and a half hours of thrills and mystery.

Get yours now at Creepy Classics for your serial collection on DVD:

THE SHADOW (1940/Complete Serial) – DVD
The 1940 serial classic! Lamont Cranston (Victor Jory), alias The Shadow is the dark mysterious crime fighter. He’s not a favorite down at Police Headquarters. But, The Shadow, takes justice into his own hands through mystic hypnotism. He battles an evil genius called The Black Tiger. 15 Thrilling chapters, over four hours!

Get your DVD now in our Cliffhangers Department here at Creepy Classics!

Don’t Forgot “Mum” This Sunday…Mother’s Day

Time rolls on, make a point to wish your mother, or if you’re married with kids, your wife…a very Happy Mother’s Day. Let her know you appreciate her.

Bela Lugosi’s Flower Power

Well, whaddah you know?! It’s a Bela Lugosi Lily. I never knew. This info and photos were sent in my reader Paul Speidel from Canada:

Hi Ron,

The other day Fran and I were haunting (pun intended) our local garden centre when we discovered this: a variety of day lily called a “Bela Lugosi”.

Of course we had to have one, though as you can see it’s already having some terrorizing effects on us! I included a picture of what the bloom is going to look like when it rises from it’s native soil.

-Paul

Happy Birthday Monster Bash Staffer, Mark Statler

It’s Mark Statler’s birthday today (Friday, May 8).

Mark is our chief guest of honor wrangler.

You’ll never meet a nicer guy! If you’ve never met Mark, swing by the Guest of Honor area at the MONSTER BASH shows and introduce yourself.

MONSTER BASH is for MONSTER KIDS everywhere of every age!

Make Sure You’re Caught Up On Your MONSTER BASH Magazine Collection!

Do you have all of these pictured above?

Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, Creature From the Black Lagoon, King Kong, The Phantom of the Opera, Mr. Hyde…they’re all here, at home in MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE.

Collect them all….Click Here to get them right from the publisher (us!), new glossy mags shipped bagged and boarded for protection to you!

All at Creepy Classics, right now!

New! Dee Ankers-Denning Autographed Family Photos

Dee was a guest a few times at our MONSTER BASH CONFERENCE. She is the daughter of actress Evelyn Ankers and actor Richard Denning. She signed a very limited number of the above photos. You can get one to frame for your movie room wall now from Creepy Classics. There’s a horizontal one or a vertical one.

They’re available now in our Creepy Autograph Department here at Creepy Classics.

New! CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVIES Special Edition Magazines

In shock now:

CLASSIC MONSTERS SPECIAL: WHITE ZOMBIE (1932) – Magazine
A detailed examination of 1932’s WHITE ZOMBIE. Stars Bela Lugosi. The Ultimate Guide takes a loving look at the small independent production from the Halperin brothers. An amazing piece of film work. All glossy, beautiful oversize magazine with the history and rare photos from the movie.

CLASSIC MONSTERS SPECIAL: DR. JEKYLL & SISTER HYDE – Magazine
A detailed examination of 1971’s Hammer horror film DR. JEKYLL AND SISTER HYDE. Stars Ralph Bates and Martine Beswick. The Ultimate Guide takes a loving look at the British studio’s horror. All glossy, beautiful oversize magazine!

CLASSIC MONSTERS SPECIAL: DRACULA A.D. 1972 – Magazine
A detailed examination of 1972’s DRACULA A.D. 1972 Hammer film. Stars Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing and Caroline Munro. The Ultimate Guide takes a loving look at the British studio’s wild horror film. All glossy, beautiful oversize magazine!

….Plus, these back issues are now in shock too:

It’s CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVES #11, CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVIES #18, CLASSIC MONSTERS SPECIAL: ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET THE MONSTERS and CLASSIC MONSTERS SPECIAL: THE OLD DARK HOUSE(1932).

Get them all in our CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVIES Department, inside the dungeon doors here at Creepy Classics!

MONSTER BASH CONFERENCE JUNE SHOW Update

Our hopes are that things will be under control by the third weekend in June for MONSTER BASH.

MONSTER BASH is on as scheduled as of right now. However — It is up to every individual to exercise the amount of caution they wish to.

MONSTER BASH is June 19-21, 2020…show details, CLICK HERE!

In the event that the government and health officials are not allowing gatherings at that point, we have made arrangements with the host hotel (Double Tree in Mars, PA) to use July 24-26, 2020 as a back-up weekend. We will assess the situation on June 1st and report here by June 2.

Bash on!

Re-Stocked! Some of the Rarest, Coolest Films From the Vaults of Warner Brothers and Universal

New and factory sealed…these great films available on DVD now at Creepy Classics. They are re-stocked and ready for your collection:

WARNER BROTHERS HORROR-MYSTERY COLLECTION – Three DVD Set
Some of the rarest, most shocking and creepiest horror and mystery films in the Warner Brothers vault on this set: THE HIDDEN HAND ( 1942), FIND THE BLACKMAILER (1943), THE SMILING GHOST (1941) , SH! THE OCTOPUS (1937) , MYSTERY HOUSE (1938) , and THE PATIENT IN ROOM 18 (1938) .

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT (1930s) – Two DVD Set
The complete Vitaphone Short features of Ripley’s Believe It Or Not that began in 1930. Film of the strangest and weirdest things ever recorded. The world’s weirdest things presented in this nostalgic series on a two DVD set. Hosted bt Robert Ripley himself.

BORIS KARLOFF TRIPLE FEATURE (1937-1940) – DVD
Three really good Karloff vehicles from Warner Brothers. Not “horror” movies, but just solid “B” films of thrills, mystery, suspense and adventure: WEST OF SHANGHAI (1937) , THE INVISIBLE MENACE (1938) and DEVIL’S ISLAND (1940) .

SECRET OF THE BLUE ROOM (1932) – DVD
Stars Gloria Stuart, Paul Lucas, Lionel Atwill and Onslow Stevens. Great mystery in a big house. Lionel Atwill resides over the proceedings. A great chase seen through the house showcases some of the 1931 FRANKENSTEIN castle sets.

THE NIGHT WALKER (1965)/DARK INTRUDER (1965) – DVD
THE NIGHT WALKER (1965) William Castle chiller! Barbara Stanwyck has strange visions and waking dreams. Murder and mystery with Robert Taylor. DARK INTRUDER (1965) Stars Leslie Nielsen, Judi Meredith and Mark Richman. A touch of H.P. Lovecraft as an ancient creature from another time is committing murders in San Francisco during the 1890s. Foggy and atmospheric as the dark cloaked creature kills again and again. Nielsen is a student of old dark religions, assisting the local authorities…and getting too close to the truth. Originally made for TV, then released theatrically.

THE MAD GENIUS (1931) – DVD
Stars John Barrymore. Marian Marsh, Charles Butterworth and Boris Karloff. An insane puppeteer lives his life’s dreams through a famous ballet dancer. His twisted mind attempts to destroy the dancer’s life in an evil power play. Boris Karloff on a small role, pre-FRANKENSTEIN as an abusive father.

SHE (1965) – DVD
Stars Ursula Andress, Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Bernard Cribbins, John Richardson, and Andre Morell. The story of an undying woman and her love for the soul of a man who has been reincarnated. An adventure-fantasy that holds the test of time…in more ways than one!

Get some of these rare films for your home screening room today in our Complete DVD Catalog…at Creepy Classics! They’re all re-stocked and ready to deliver right to your door!

Remembering Paperback Books

While loving to watch the good, the bad and the ugly in monster movies, I naturally extended my interest to paperback books. They were affordable when I was a kid and I could find all kinds of interesting ones. Through the 1960s…right though today my eyes immediately zeroed in on paperbacks with a horror or science fiction theme. The joy of finding a “good one” has never gone away.

I keenly remember finding Christopher Lee on the cover of a paperback at a mall in the early 1970s. It was the paperback edition of the motion picture SCARS OF DRACULA. Wow, what a find.

There was a Hallmark store I used to frequent. Mom might be there to buy some birthday card for a relative and I would quickly shoot to the back of the store where they had wall racks of paperbacks. I had to be quick because Mom might not be too long in getting cards. At that store is where I saw a row of the H.P. Lovecraft paperbacks that featured creepy faces with black background. So cool. I had to get one at a time…since funds for a pre-teen are not easy to come by. I had to wait for the grass to grow tall enough to mow. Ten with lawn-cutting money I would be able to get a book.

The olive green-framed covers of the DARK SHADOWS series and the super-dynamic DOC SAVAGE covers by artist James Bama were at the local newsstand in the back…along with all those Gothic romances. The Gothics were too gooey in theme for me; but what cool covers with a girl running from a castle or mansion that had only one light in a window and gnarled trees reaching for her. Ah, but no monster.

Finally, a great used book and comic store opened in State College, PA. It was run by a married couple named Joe and Asher. Later it would be sold to Lane Carpenter who’s interest in comics and spooky stuff was so welcome. The store was called Book Swap. There I latched on to every Robert E. Howard CONAN book I Could find. They had interesting purple edged pages and those Frazatta covers. I also loaded up on the Ace paperback Edgar Rice Burroughs novels. Pellucidar, Mars, Venus…and, of course, Tarzan books.

From the school Scholastic books I ordered all things spooky and was able to get classics. DRACULA by Bram Stoker, FRANKENSTEIN by Shelley, Poe collections and many others. In fact, I just re-read my copy of a collection of mummy stories: THE MUMMY WALKS AMONG US. A Scholastic book.

There was a another used book store I located in Grove City, PA when visiting my relatives. It was a concrete block, unattractive former gas station! The place was loaded with unorganized stacks and stacks of paperbacks. Thousands. What a treasure hunt that place was.

And…there’s nothing like he smell of an old, yellowed paperback or comic book. Ahhh, the memories.

Ron Adams
Ligonier, PA
May 2020

On with the show, now let’s check out the new cool stuff and classic monster news…

New! In Shock Stock and Shipping Now…MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM on Blu-Ray or DVD

One of the greatest pre-code horror films ever….filmed in that surreal early two-strip technicolor. Restored with new bonus features too….one of the most exciting releases of the year from the Warner Studio vaults and available on Blu-Ray or DVD:

THE MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM (1933) – Blu-Ray or DVD
Early color horror! Lionel Atwill is a sculptor who tries to save his work when a the building owner wants to burn the museum for insurance money. Atwill is knocked unconscious and left to die. He survives…now completely insane. He uses real dead bodies to mold wax over for his new exhibits. A horrifying climax with a great “unmasking” scene with help from the lovely Fay Wray. New extras: Fay Wray documentary, restoration featurette, commentaries.

It is in stock now at Creepy Classics and ready to ship immediately to your creaky door!

Get it in our New Blu-Ray & DVD Department here at Creepy Classics.

Re-Stocked…Classic Kino DVDs!

Back, fully stocked, it’s some classic titles from the premium label Kino-Lorber! Always high quality prints with great extras. Re-stocked for you viewing pleasure:

THE HANDS OF ORLAC (1924) – DVD
Stars Conrad Veidt, Alexandra Sorina and Fritz Cortner. The hands of a killer are grafted oto a pianist. The pianist begins taking on the characteristics of the murderer in the control of his hands. A chilling, strong performance by Conrad Veidt (THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI).

MOBY DICK (1956) – DVD
The Herman Melville classic novel is presented on screen with director John Huston and screenwriter Ray Bradbury. Stars Gregory Peck as mad Captain Ahab. Ahab was disfigured by a monstrous whale and he searches for it…to meet again. The most powerful movie of revenge, perseverance, fury and amazing visions of the sea and the inner workings of the human soul.

JACK THE GIANT KILLER (1962) – DVD
A princess is kidnapped, a fierce giant monster is on a rampage and flying witch-harpies attack a ship. Sound neat? It is. Similar in many ways to THE SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD (including star Kerwin Matthews) this made a big splash with ticket-buying monster kids of the 60’s. A bit grittier and spookier than 7TH VOYAGE, this has more horror elements. Special effects by Jim Danforth. Includes the uncut original version at 94 minutes, plus the re-edited musical version at 91 minutes. Audio commentary by Tim Lucas. Original trailer.

ON THE BEACH (1959) – DVD
Stars Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner, Fred Astaire and Anthony Perkins. It’s post nuclear war and a crew aboard a submarine reach Australia were blasts and radiation haven’t reached. But, there’s a massive radiation cloud coming their way and no hope of escape. Amazing and powerful.

Get these classic Kino-Lorber releases, factory sealed in our Complete on-line DVD Catalog here at Creepy Classics for some great viewing! All of these are powerful and really great films.

MONSTER BASH June 2020 Schedule of Events!

It’s now on-line, the schedule of events for the June MONSTER BASH! Once again, it was very hard to schedule as we simply had too many great events and features to get in there. We had to drop a few things…which will appear at our October show.

Direct link to the schedule: https://www.monsterbashnews.com/schedule.html

It’s another jam-packed, no-sleep, 3-day weekend. You won’t want to miss a single thing.

Keep in mind that events are subject to change and thankfully not one guest has canceled at this point! All systems are go.

We’ll be ready to finally get out, and what a way to start…with your MONSTER BASH friends!

All the details, vendors, and guest listings are here: www.monsterbash.us

Rondo Creeps Into a Sherlock Holmes Film

This message in from Dave Heywood (artist of the above pencil drawing):

Hey Ron,

I just had the pleasure re-watching two Sherlock Holmes movies. I had forgotten how great these films are. I really enjoy Basil Rathbone in the role of Holmes. He was made for that character. Nigel Bruce is also wonderful as Dr Watson. The 2 movies I watched were THE PEARL OF DEATH and SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SECRET WEAPON.

THE PEARL OF DEATH introduced Rondo Hatton as The Creeper. Hatton’s character brutally murders his victims by snapping their spines. Truly a “spine” tingling movie! In the SECRET WEAPON movie, my favorite Lionel Atwill played Professor Moriarty. What a great villain!

So today for fun, I did a colored pencil drawing of Holmes and The Creeper. I highly recommend these movies as well as the other Sherlock Holmes movies. It’s a “mystery” to me as to why everyone doesn’t own these movies!

Take care… Dave Heywood, FL

New! Hammer Studios on Blu

Two more great Hammer Films are now available on crystal clear Blu-Ray…it’s Oliver Reed in THE CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF and Suzanna Leigh in THE LOST CONTINENT (1968):

THE CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF (1961/Collector’s Edition) – Blu-Ray
Stars Oliver Reed, Clifford Evans and Yvonne Romain. One of the most ferocious looking werewolves ever. A glossy Hammer production of a boy cursed to be a werewolf. New 4K scan of the original film negative, documentary, featurette, commentaries…packed to the full moon with extras.

THE LOST CONTINENT (1968/Hammer Films) – Blu-Ray
Hammer studios take you on a boat trip to The Lost Continent! A group of travelers are washed to a lost world island in a storm. They encounter giant crabs and various monstrosities! New scan of original film elements from the Fox vaults, commentaries, features, TV show, trailer and more!

Get these new Blu-Rays in our special Hammer Studios Department here in the crypt at Creepy Classics!

The Latest Issue…MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE #39, Basil Gogos Cover!

Get your copy of the latest MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE right now! Don’t miss out on getting it right away from Creepy Classics…home of MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE.

This is it….what a cool ghoul issue:

MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE #39 – Magazine
Wow! This issue is packed with great articles: Bela Lugosi’s Ygor, Lon Chaney’s Inner Sanctum series, Jack Pierce and THE WOLF MAN, Tom Weaver’s TERROR IN THE WAX MUSEUM interview, Monster Music stax of weird wax, Fan Flashbacks and more. Writers include Tom Weaver, John DeGarmo, Leonard Hayhurst, Thom Shubilla, Ron Adams…cover art by FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND classic artist Basil Gogos!

Order before midnight, so you don’t forget!, CLICK HERE, or call (724) 238-4317.

It’s in our “Monster Bash Magazine Department” now at Creepy Classics!

New! WEREWOLF IN A GIRL’S DORMITORY on Blu-Ray

The best you’ve ever seen it…uncut and scanned from archival film elements recently discovered in a Rome lab vault:

WEREWOLF IN A GIRL’S DORMITORY (1961, Uncut) – Blu-Ray
A werewolf-mystery film — who’s the one turning hairy and ripping-up people’s throats?! A new instructor arrives at the all-girl’s reformatory, is he the werewolf? There’s blackmail and many suspects. This is the original uncut version. Audio: English or Italian. Packed with extras: New scan of film elements, beautiful quality, nice booklet reproduction of an original photo-comic promotional piece, bonus CD of soundtrack music, interviews, commentary, trailers and more!

A premium, limited edition Blu-Ray from the quality producer of Blu-Rays…Severin Films. You’ll find it discounted now in our New Blu-Ray Department here at Creepy Classics.

New! More Vintage Fantastic Classic Scholastic

Throwback time. It’s 6th grade all over again and the Scholastic Book order just came in. Your teacher is calling out names for you to come up to her desk and get your book order! The excitement of getting your books…the mysteries, the ghost stories, the magic books.

More titles entering our retro hallowed halls include: STORIES OF THE SUPERNATURAL, THE GREAT HOUDINI, BEYOND BELIEF, LITTLE WITCH, SKELETON CAVE, MRS. COVERLET’S MAGICIANS, SOME THINGS ARE SCARY and more!

Re-live it all one more time…order your Scholastic Books in our Scholastic Book Department at Creepy Classics. They’ll be in your mail box or at your door fast. The wait and excitement is on…but, you won’t have to wait too long now!

New! TARZAN GOES TO INDIA on Blu-Ray and DVD

The 1962 swingin’ adventure in full color…is back on Blu-Ray and DVD:

Get this film for your library now…

TARZAN GOES TO INDIA (1962) – Blu-Ray or DVD
Jock Mahoney stars as the Lord of the Jungle….Tarzan in this colorful 1960s feature. A beautiful princess in India summons the aid of the ape man. A massive dam is being built which will flood an elephant sanctuary. Tarzan must face the perils in the jungle land of India to save the day.

It’s in our New Blu-Ray & DVD Department here at Creepy Classics. Time for a little jungle adventure thriller to hit your home screen!

Artist Vince Davis Checks Into Cadman’s House

The above acrylic painting picture submitted by artist Vince Davis. Here’s what Vince said:

Ron,
I’ve got another one for you. A little tribute to one of my all-time favorite b-movies, “The Black Sleep”.
I Hope you can find a place for it. Thanks!

Regards, Vin, NY

And…you can get this monsterpiece on Blu-Ray or DVD:

THE BLACK SLEEP (1956) – Blu-Ray or DVD
Also known as: DR. CADMAN’S SECRET. A star-studded monster fest. Basil Rathbone is Dr. Cadman doing nasty brain experiments. Bela Lugosi is a mute butler in his last film (PLAN NINE’s scenes were filmed before this). Akim Tamiroff is a villainous gypsy. John Carradine goes over the top as a raving loon. And — where else will you see Tor Johnson and Lon Chaney Jr. locked in mortal combat!!!

Available at Creepy Classics!