Village of the Damned Children Halloween!

Posted by donnamarie on October 28, 2015

October is Ghouls, Goblins & Guest Bloggers month at from the sticks to the bricks and back again and I had the honor of being the first guest blogger with my post, “Village of the Damned Children Halloween!” Be sure to visit from the sticks to the bricks and back again for more Halloween fun!

from the sticks to the bricks and back again

October is Ghouls, Goblins & Guest Bloggers month at from the sticks to the bricks and back again. The first blogger to post is DonnaMarie from iheartfilm. When DonnaMarie is asked why she blogs at iheartfilm she responds “I’ve been a movie fan since I was a little kid tagging along with my sisters to the Saturday matinee. A theater full of kids, popcorn and some of the worst/best B-movies of all time! “

DonnaMarie’s website – iheartfilm – is dedicated to movie lovers everywhere and expresses her passion for all things film! Halloween is her favorite holiday and she is thrilled to be sharing one of her favorite fright night flicks with us. So grab some popcorn, relax, enjoy DonnaMarie’s review and beware the stare. Please thank DonnaMarie by visiting iheartfilm.

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The Trick Is To Stay Alive!

Posted by donnamarie on October 26, 2015

SpectiCast Presents

John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN

THE 1978 CLASSIC RETURNS TO THE BIG SCREEN

October 29th at 7:30 pm

A special event in cinemas nationwide

In my opinion, John Carpenter’s “Halloween” is the quintessential All Hallows Eve movie. It still freaks me out to the point where I can only watch it during the daytime. So sad:(

Fathom Events and SpectiCast is presenting this special screening of “Halloween” on October 29th at 7:30 pm. Go, Go, Go, see it on the big screen! It’s frightening enough on the small screen and in the theater, I bet it’ll have you curled up in a ball! My favorite lines from the film are – Tommy: “What’s the Boogey Man?” Dr. Loomis: “As a matter of fact… it was.”

This movie is credited with the first strong female in a slasher film and redefines the genre. Jamie Lee Curtis, in her film debut, plays the title role of Laurie Strode. Laurie is not only book smart but has a strong sense of survival. She’s the ‘I’m gonna fight you tooth and nail’ type babysitter who doesn’t just scream and lay there making easy pickings for the killer. Watch out Michael Meyers, she’s no easy win.

A classic film all the way! A must see for every true horror fan.

John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN
In Select Cinemas Nationwide

Thursday, October 29
7:30 p.m. (local time)

“It’s Halloween, everyone’s entitled to one good scare.”

Michael Meyers returns to Haddonfield, and the big screen, for one terrifying night on Thursday, October 29th with John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN. One of the most successful independent movies of all time, the original HALLOWEEN redefined the horror genre as we know it and has spawned a horror franchise of seven sequels.

In 1963, six-year-old Michael stabbed his 15-year-old sister to death. Institutionalized for the next 15 years, Michael manages to escape and heads for his hometown of Haddonfield the day before Halloween. Meanwhile Laurie Strode, a serious student, is spending Halloween night babysitting for the neighbors. Little does she know the danger she and her friends are in with Michael on the prowl.

This special one-night event will also feature an introduction with director John Carpenter, providing exclusive insights into his iconic horror indie.

R.I.P Maureen O’Hara – “Queen of Technicolor”

Posted by donnamarie on October 24, 2015

Maureen O’Hara, ‘The Queen of Technicolor,’ Dies at 95

(August 17, 1920 – October 24, 2015)

I loved the feisty Irish attitude she embodied in the characters created starring opposite John Wayne, but my sentiments will always go to her role as 8-year old Natalie Wood’s mother in the Christmas Classic, “Miracle on 34th Street.” R.I.P. Maureen O’Hara

Maureen O’Hara, the Irish beauty whose striking red hair, crystal green eyes, and porcelain skin was so dazzling on the silver screen that she was dubbed “The Queen of Technicolor,” has died. She was 95.

O’Hara, who played the feisty wife to onscreen husband John Wayne in five films — three of them directed by John Ford — died Saturday at her home in Boise, Idaho, Johnny Nicoletti, her longtime manager, told the Associated Press.

“She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family as they celebrated her life listening to music from her favorite movie, The Quiet Man,” said a statement from her family.

She moved to Idaho in 2013 to be closer to her relatives after spending four decades in Glengarriff, Ireland.

Although she was memorable in so many great Hollywood films — including The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939), How Green Was My Valley (1941), Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Rio Grande (1950), The Quiet Man (1952), Our Man in Havana (1959) and The Parent Trap (1961) — the Dublin native never won an Academy Award, much less received an Oscar nomination.

That oversight was rectified when the Academy presented her with an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in November 2014.

Musing about what made her a star, O’Hara wrote: “I have always believed my most compelling quality to be my inner strength, something I am easily able to share with an audience. I’m very comfortable in my own skin. I never thought my looks would have anything to do with becoming a star. Yet it seems that in some ways they did.”

(Reposted from the Hollywood Reporter)

It’s A Charlie Brown Halloween!

Posted by donnamarie on October 21, 2015

The trailer for the upcoming peanuts gang film “The Peanuts Movie” started me thinking that not everyone may be into scary Halloween movies, so I decided to share a favorite TV special from childhood, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.

“The Peanuts Movie” opens November 6th and is from the genius imagination of Peanuts/Charlie Brown creator, Charles M. Schultz. In this trailer, we hear from the creators of “The Peanuts Movie” about Schultz’s drawing style and concepts. This film will be the Peanut gang’s big screen debut.

Now, without further adieu, let’s find out what the gang’s up to in -“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

The plot revolves around Charlie’s best friend Linus’ belief in the Great Pumpkin who supposedly comes to the pumpkin patch to reward faithful boys and girls. Despite everyone telling Linus what a fool he is for his conviction, he still keeps the faith. Unfortunately, the night is a complete bust for Charlie who with his bad luck always gets a rock (Maybe it’s because of his jacked up ghost costume with eight million holes in it.) and Linus who never meets the elusive Great Pumpkin.

As a child, I remember one of the most important decisions of Halloween being the selection of just the right costume so you can proudly walk up to your neighbors doors screaming, “trick or treat!” Opening up your bag and gleefully anticipating scoring one of your favorite Halloween treats. For me, it was always Snickers, hands down.

There’s nothing worse than the wrong costume coupled with lousy treats. And in Charlie Brown’s case, a stupid rock. Great, thanks a lot!

Another crucial choice of the Halloween tradition is picking and carving just the right pumpkin. This is how Miss Lucy Van Pelt handles a pumpkin and her little brother, Linus. Plus, the gang gets a little fright in the pumpkin patch. But, how much fun would the evening be without a little ghosts and goblins scare.

We were first introduced to Charlie and the gang in the television premiere of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” which still remains a perennial favorite. In my house, to this day, “Charlie Brown” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” are required viewing as part of the official Christmas season. The television special was based on the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. Produced by Lee Mendelson and directed by Bill Melendez, the program made its debut on CBS on December 9, 1965.

With the success of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, other specials were developed featuring the lovable Peanuts Gang. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” was the third Peanuts special and its’ initial broadcast took place on October 27, 1966.

For me, “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” brings back fond memories of those magical childhood days and offers up a laugh or two along the way.

Happy Halloween!

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Posted by donnamarie on October 20, 2015

The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)

“I am jealous of everything whose beauty does not die. I am jealous of the portrait you have painted of me. Why should it keep what I must lose? Every moment that passes takes something from me and gives something to it. Oh, if it were only the other way! If the picture could change, and I could be always what I am now! Why did you paint it? It will mock me some day — mock me horribly!” The hot tears welled into his eyes; he tore his hand away and, flinging himself on the divan, he buried his face in the cushions, as though he was praying.”

“Dorian Gray” – Oscar Wilde’s -“The Picture of Dorian Gray”

Dorian Gray

If you could, would you? Sell your soul for eternal youth.

That was the choice made by Dorian Gray. His story is a classic cautionary tale. Be careful what you wish for.

This week’s DVR recommendation for TCM Horror Fridays at 8:00 pm.

Dorian Gray (Hurd Hatfield) is a striking and wealthy young man living in 19th century London. While posing for his portrait with his artist friend Basil Hallward (Lowell Gilmore), he meets the cynical and audacious Lord Henry Wotton (George Sanders) who tells him that youth and beauty are fleeting and while he’s young he should entertain every worldly pleasure. Dorian is naive and in the presence of an enchanted Egyptian cat wishes he would stay forever young and only his portrait would age.

While visiting a local pub, The Two Turtles, he meets the beautiful and demure Sybil Vane. She sweetly sings “Goodbye Little Yellow Bird” and Dorian is totally enamored. Falling in love, he asks Miss Vale for her hand in marriage and invites both Basil and Lord Wotton to the pub to meet his love.

Sybil Vane

When Dorian informs Lord Wotton of his intention to marry Sybil, Wotton suggests he tests her virtue by inviting her to spend the evening with him. If she rebukes him then she’s chaste if she accepts she’s a tramp and as the saying goes “why pay for the cow when you can have the milk for free.” Dorian buys into this plan thus beginning his downward spiral into narcissism and pleasures of the flesh.

Sybil accepts Dorian’s request to stay with him and the following day Dorian sends her a breakup letter expressing his disappointment in her. Heartbroken, Sybil is devastated and Dorian becomes aware of the first signs of cruelty to appear upon his portrait’s face.

Years pass with his peers aging, but Dorian’s youth remains. Gossip swirls and his friends begin to shun him; questioning why his appearance is the same. Dorian goes full tilt debauchery until he finally reaches rock bottom.

There are people today who could benefit from heeding the lesson in the “Picture of Dorian Gray.” The evil you do comes back to bite. Karma is a bitch.

Scary Kids Halloween!

Posted by donnamarie on October 12, 2015

Countdown to Halloween!

Getting closer to All Hallows Eve! Continuing my series of film recommendations for Turner Classic Movies Horror Fridays at 8:00 pm. This week’s DVR choice is “The Bad Seed” (1956). Talk about scary kids! This flick is a cult classic that is truly shocking and begs the question – Is evil inherited? “The Bad Seed’s mother – Christine Penmark (Nancy Kelly) must confront that possibility as she begins to suspect that all is not quite right with Rhoda (Patty McCormack), her perpetually well-mannered child. Mom is finally forced to confront the possibility that her daughter may actually be a murderous sociopath after circumstances become too real to ignore.

“The Bad Seed” (1956)

Let’s start with our angelic, eight-year-old darling – Rhoda Penmark who oh so sweetly plays the French song “Au Clair de la lune” on her piano while screams emanate from the basement. Don’t ever threaten to narc on her. Looks like they’re going to be needing a new caretaker.

This child is cold blooded! In her case, trinkets are a girl’s best friend. So, when an old woman promises to leave Rhoda a gem, she – the old woman – apparently couldn’t die fast enough so our little darling volunteers to help the process along. Oh boy, a Penmanship Medal, a very tasty trinket indeed. But Rhoda loses out to classmate Claude Daigle and feels cheated so of course she takes matters into her own hands to acquire what she feels she deserves. Oh well, poor little Claude Daigle.

This film was the first of its kind since the censors forbade movies that featured children as killers. But Warner Bros.’ Studio was able to get away with it by adding an “adults only” tag to the film’s advertising and altering the original ending. The film is based upon a play (of the same name) by Maxwell Anderson, which in turn is based upon William March’s 1954 novel The Bad Seed. The play was adapted by John Lee Mahin for the screenplay of the film.

The play’s principal players, Nancy Kelly (Christine Penmark), Eileen Heckart (Mrs. Daigle), Henry Jones (LeRoy the caretaker) and Patty McCormack (Rhoda Penmark) all revised their roles in the film adaptation.

“The Bad Seed” was one of Warner Bros.’ biggest hits of the year, grossing $4.1 million and one the year’s top 20 at the box office. Academy Award Nominations were given to Nancy Kelly: Best Actress, Eileen Heckart: Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Patty McCormack: Best Actress in a Supporting Role and Best Cinematography (Black-White) Hal Rosson. Eileen Heckart won a Golden Globe Award for her performance.

Since I always follow the film fan rule, I won’t divulge the ending. Plus I promised Warner Bros.’ at the end of the movie.

Happy Viewing!

Dark Comedy Halloween Laughs:)

Posted by donnamarie on October 8, 2015

Most people think of Cary Grant as a suave leading man, but he is also an incredible physical comic. The dark comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace”(1944) directed by Frank Capra is the perfect vehicle for his slapstick comedic style. Grant plays Mortimer Brewster who, to his horror, discovers that his two darling elderly aunts (Abby (Josephine Hull) and Martha (Jean Adair) are in fact serial killers, bumping off those who they perceive as “lonely bachelor” men.

Mortimer’s aunts epitomize the idea of sweet little old ladies. They can preserves, donate toys to the policeman’s children’s fund, make Elderberry wine. The problem is that their tasty Elderberry wine is spiked with arsenic, strychnine and “just a pinch of cyanide”.

After Mortimer discovers a dead body hidden in the window seat he assumes that Teddy (John Alexander) – Abby and Martha’s brother – has committed murder under some delusion, (he believes he’s Theodore Roosevelt).

But the aunts are quite sincere when they explain to Mortimer that they are responsible (“It’s one of our charities”).

The look on Cary’s face when he discovers one of the bodies in the window seat is priceless. The classic double take.

Abby and Martha have the perfect set-up. The cellar of the family home becomes the burial ground for their victims with their brother Teddy aka Theodore Roosevelt digging the graves convinced he’s digging locks for the Panama Canal and burying yellow fever victims.

And, as if his murderous aunts weren’t enough on Mortimer’s plate, enter long, lost brother Jonathan (Raymond Massey). Jonathon is a psychotic killer looking to stash a body of his own (Mr. Spenalzo). Also, to his annoyance, Jonathan is in need of another plastic surgery because his face bears a striking resemblance to Frankenstein thanks to his alcoholic plastic surgeon and accomplice Dr. Herman Einstein (Peter Lorre).

Oh, did I mention the reason why Mortimer was actually visiting his aunts? Well, despite having written several books ridiculing marriage as an “old-fashioned superstition”, Mortimer has fallen in love and has just married the irresistible next door neighbor, Elaine Harper (Priscilla Lane). The wedding took place that morning which is (and this is too perfect) Halloween day.

When Jonathan discovers his aunts’ secret, he threatens to expose them if they try to turn him into the police. When the police come to the house to pick up Abby and Martha’s donation to the policeman’s children’s fund, Mortimer tries to hip them to Jonathan’s identify but it doesn’t go as smoothly as he’d planned. Chaos and hilarity ensue and this is where the monster mash fun begins.

And with that, I’ll let the opening credits speak for itself…

Happy Viewing!

Halloween – Friday Night Frights!

Posted by donnamarie on October 5, 2015

TCM Horror Fridays in October

In my countdown to Halloween, I’ve already started watching my Friday night fright movies with help from my favorite classic film channel Turner Classic Movies. Fridays in October at 8:00 pm, they’re featuring theme-based horror flicks. The theme for Friday, October 9th is ‘Rogue Body Parts’. (sounds like fun!) To help other fans with fright flick selections, I’ll be recommending my DVR worthy choices for the TCM Horror Fest. So fire up the DVR, grab your favorite go-to snack and settle into the Halloween spirit!

Mad Love (1935) – Peter Lorre, Frances Drake

My DVR choice of movies featured in the ‘Rogue Body Parts’ theme, is “Mad Love” (1935) directed by German filmmaker Karl Freund and starring Peter Lorre, Frances Drake and ‘Dr. Frankenstein’ himself, Colin Clive. An adaptation of Maurice Renard’s story The Hands of Orlac, it’s probably one of the most bizarre movies you’ll ever see.

Peter Lorre as Dr. Gogol

“Mad Love” was so disturbing for the time that the studio released the film with an opening disclaimer that began, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer feels that it would be a little unkind to present this picture without just a word of friendly warning….” The Hays censorship office had objections to the showing of the train wreck or any “gruesome” images. It also had issues with the torture scenes and a shot of Dr. Gogol fondling the wax replica of Yvonne. Oops!

This movie is Lorre’s American film debut and he portrays the strange Dr. Gogol – his name alone evokes an unsettling mood. Well, Gogol seems to have a thing for sadomasochism which he enjoys at the ‘Théâtre des Horreurs’. Actress Yvonne Orlac (Frances Drake) is the object of Dr. Gogol’s obsession as she embodies his fantasy on stage in the theater company’s latest torture production.

Torture

Theater of Horrors

Inquisition

So sorry Dr. Gogol but Yvonne is married to Stephen Orlac (Colin Clive) – accomplished concert pianist – but anyway, she is so NOT into this creepy little man who has a standing box seat and has attended every performance. Gogol is so obsessed with Yvonne that he buys the wax figure of her after the show’s final performance. Mind you this is a life-size replica that he enshrines in his home so he can “always possess her.” Told you he was creepy.

Yvonne Orlac in wax – Dr. Gogol

The brilliant Dr. Gogol is a renowned surgeon with whom Yvonne, in desperation, must plead with to save her successful pianist husband’s hands and career after a gruesome train wreck. Well, of course, he’ll help his love but during emergency surgery on Stephen he comes up with the twisted idea to graft the hands of a knife-wielding killer who has just been put to death on the guillotine. (And of course, Gogol attended the decapitation.) However, soon afterward Stephen begins to suspect that something is seriously wrong with his new found extremities.

Dr. Gogol w/ assistant in Surgery

Operation complete

Stephen Orlac – Colin Clive

This is where we add another level of freaky to the plot. I’m not going to give anything away – that goes against every film fan rule. So, check it out and let me know on a scale of 1 – 10 the creep/freak factor in the comments. Also, be sure to stay tuned for next week’s DVR worthy fright flick. Theme – ‘Scary Kids’.

Happy Viewing!

Countdown to Halloween!

Posted by donnamarie on October 2, 2015

October holds a special place in my holiday heart because I get to celebrate my favorite day of the year, Halloween. Just picture it. A darkened theater, a bucket of popcorn, sitting terrified and curled up in a ball; just for the scare of it!

‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night.’

An essential part of the ritual is breaking out my awesome Halloween decorations and filling up the trick or treater candy bowl with first-class, yummy confections. Envisioning kid’s faces as I proudly hand out M&M’s, Reese Cups, Skittles and no candy bowl would be complete without my personal choice – Snickers! As a seasoned Halloween aficionado, the mood wouldn’t be complete without a spooktacular horror classic marathon streaming on the big screen TV!

The ultimate Halloween night experience would include waiting in line with fellow enthusiasts to enjoy a horror classic on the big screen. The first scary movie I remember seeing as a kid is William Castle’s “House on Haunted Hill” and man was I thrilled to be able to re-live my first time when a friend told me a neighborhood theater had a special Halloween presentation of my beloved “House on Haunted Hill”. Cherry on the top was that they also sponsored a Best Costume competition and Best Scream Award. It was everything I could hope for; even performing the movie’s gimmick, the flying skeleton!

Vincent Price in ‘House on Haunted Hill’

This Halloween, movie friends, Turner Classic Movies and Fathom Events is presenting in select theaters nationwide, a special double feature screening of the 1931 Universal Horror Classic, Dracula starring Bela Lugosi and Helen Chandler as Mina Harker. Based on the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker. In addition to the original, moviegoers will also enjoy the added treat of the Spanish version starring Carlos Villarías as Conde Drácula and Lupita Tovar as Eva Seward.

Long thought lost, a print of Spanish Dracula was discovered in the 1970s and restored. I own and love my Legacy Collection DVD which was released in 2004 and contains both versions. The collection also includes – Dracula’s Daughter (1936) Son of Dracula (1943) starring Universal’s Wolfman, Lon Chaney, Jr. and House of Dracula (1945). A must-own addition for every classic horror movie fan’s collection. For ticket information about the Dracula Double Feature, check out Fathom Events or your local theater.

Trivia: For a period of time in Hollywood, studios would produce Spanish language version films for overseas distribution, using the same sets. Tod Browning directed the English production which was shot during the day. George Melford (who did not speak Spanish) was the director for the Spanish version, filming during the evening. The Spanish crew had the advantage of watching the English dailies when they came in for the evening, and they would figure out better camera angles and more effective use of lighting in an attempt to “top” it. There are critics who believe the Spanish production was better, incorporating more interesting and varied camera angles and perspective. I agree with the critics point that this production explored more visual dimensions and created more overall excitement. It also had a sexier edge.

Dracula 1931 – Spanish Version

So, if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend adding this special event to your calendar. If you do attend, let me know your reaction in the comments.

Happy Viewing!

Moonwalker’s Smooth Criminal

Posted by donnamarie on September 19, 2015

Back in the day, when Michael Jackson released a new tune it became a television event. The announcement of the date and time of the video was always anticipated by the fans. We would arrange our schedules to make sure not to miss the latest and greatest from the King of Pop. But with the release of Moonwalker, Michael took the debut event to a whole other level!

What we witnessed that night was a game changer.

Michael Jackson: Moonwalker (1988). Not just one video but an anthology style film compilation of long form videos including the songs: Smooth Criminal and Leave Me Alone. Releasing these songs in this format was unique to TV and the times and proved Michael’s mastery and revival of the film short.

Leave Me Alone was a “Michael Vision”, dead-on rebuttal to all the gossip and rumors about Michael’s life including Bubbles the chimp and did he really buy the bones of the Elephant Man? (watch for MJ dancing with elephant man bones)

Smooth Criminal features the most dynamic and straight up coolest choreography ever!!! And “the lean” shut up!!

Michael was granted a patent for the hitching mechanism which was built into the floor of the stage and the performers shoes.

Danger abounds with Annie and her friends (including John Lennon’s youngest son Sean), storm troopers, machine guns and a pint sized imitation of Michael by “baby bad Michael.”

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SpectiCast Presents

John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN

THE 1978 CLASSIC RETURNS TO THE BIG SCREEN

October 29th at 7:30 pm

A special event in cinemas nationwide

In my opinion, John Carpenter’s “Halloween” is the quintessential All Hallows Eve movie. It still freaks me out to the point where I can only watch it during the daytime. So sad:(

A classic film all the way! A must see for every true horror fan.

John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN In Select Cinemas Nationwide

“It’s Halloween, everyone’s entitled to one good scare.”

This special one-night event will also feature an introduction with director John Carpenter, providing exclusive insights into his iconic horror indie.

Share this:

Maureen O’Hara, ‘The Queen of Technicolor,’ Dies at 95

(August 17, 1920 – October 24, 2015)

I loved the feisty Irish attitude she embodied in the characters created starring opposite John Wayne, but my sentiments will always go to her role as 8-year old Natalie Wood’s mother in the Christmas Classic, “Miracle on 34th Street.” R.I.P. Maureen O’Hara

Maureen O’Hara, the Irish beauty whose striking red hair, crystal green eyes, and porcelain skin was so dazzling on the silver screen that she was dubbed “The Queen of Technicolor,” has died. She was 95.

O’Hara, who played the feisty wife to onscreen husband John Wayne in five films — three of them directed by John Ford — died Saturday at her home in Boise, Idaho, Johnny Nicoletti, her longtime manager, told the Associated Press.

“She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family as they celebrated her life listening to music from her favorite movie, The Quiet Man,” said a statement from her family.

She moved to Idaho in 2013 to be closer to her relatives after spending four decades in Glengarriff, Ireland.

That oversight was rectified when the Academy presented her with an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards in November 2014.

(Reposted from the Hollywood Reporter)

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The trailer for the upcoming peanuts gang film “The Peanuts Movie” started me thinking that not everyone may be into scary Halloween movies, so I decided to share a favorite TV special from childhood, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.

Now, without further adieu, let’s find out what the gang’s up to in -“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”

There’s nothing worse than the wrong costume coupled with lousy treats. And in Charlie Brown’s case, a stupid rock. Great, thanks a lot!

With the success of “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, other specials were developed featuring the lovable Peanuts Gang. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” was the third Peanuts special and its’ initial broadcast took place on October 27, 1966.

For me, “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” brings back fond memories of those magical childhood days and offers up a laugh or two along the way.

Happy Halloween!

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The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)

“Dorian Gray” – Oscar Wilde’s -“The Picture of Dorian Gray”

Dorian Gray

If you could, would you? Sell your soul for eternal youth.

That was the choice made by Dorian Gray. His story is a classic cautionary tale. Be careful what you wish for.

This week’s DVR recommendation for TCM Horror Fridays at 8:00 pm.

Sybil accepts Dorian’s request to stay with him and the following day Dorian sends her a breakup letter expressing his disappointment in her. Heartbroken, Sybil is devastated and Dorian becomes aware of the first signs of cruelty to appear upon his portrait’s face.

Years pass with his peers aging, but Dorian’s youth remains. Gossip swirls and his friends begin to shun him; questioning why his appearance is the same. Dorian goes full tilt debauchery until he finally reaches rock bottom.

There are people today who could benefit from heeding the lesson in the “Picture of Dorian Gray.” The evil you do comes back to bite. Karma is a bitch.

Share this:

Countdown to Halloween!

“The Bad Seed” (1956)

Let’s start with our angelic, eight-year-old darling – Rhoda Penmark who oh so sweetly plays the French song “Au Clair de la lune” on her piano while screams emanate from the basement. Don’t ever threaten to narc on her. Looks like they’re going to be needing a new caretaker.

The play’s principal players, Nancy Kelly (Christine Penmark), Eileen Heckart (Mrs. Daigle), Henry Jones (LeRoy the caretaker) and Patty McCormack (Rhoda Penmark) all revised their roles in the film adaptation.

Since I always follow the film fan rule, I won’t divulge the ending. Plus I promised Warner Bros.’ at the end of the movie.

Happy Viewing!

Share this:

Mortimer’s aunts epitomize the idea of sweet little old ladies. They can preserves, donate toys to the policeman’s children’s fund, make Elderberry wine. The problem is that their tasty Elderberry wine is spiked with arsenic, strychnine and “just a pinch of cyanide”.

After Mortimer discovers a dead body hidden in the window seat he assumes that Teddy (John Alexander) – Abby and Martha’s brother – has committed murder under some delusion, (he believes he’s Theodore Roosevelt).

But the aunts are quite sincere when they explain to Mortimer that they are responsible (“It’s one of our charities”).

The look on Cary’s face when he discovers one of the bodies in the window seat is priceless. The classic double take.

Abby and Martha have the perfect set-up. The cellar of the family home becomes the burial ground for their victims with their brother Teddy aka Theodore Roosevelt digging the graves convinced he’s digging locks for the Panama Canal and burying yellow fever victims.

And with that, I’ll let the opening credits speak for itself…

Happy Viewing!

Share this:

TCM Horror Fridays in October

Happy Viewing!

Share this:

October holds a special place in my holiday heart because I get to celebrate my favorite day of the year, Halloween. Just picture it. A darkened theater, a bucket of popcorn, sitting terrified and curled up in a ball; just for the scare of it!

So, if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend adding this special event to your calendar. If you do attend, let me know your reaction in the comments.

Happy Viewing!

Share this:

What we witnessed that night was a game changer.

Leave Me Alone was a “Michael Vision”, dead-on rebuttal to all the gossip and rumors about Michael’s life including Bubbles the chimp and did he really buy the bones of the Elephant Man? (watch for MJ dancing with elephant man bones)

Smooth Criminal features the most dynamic and straight up coolest choreography ever!!! And “the lean” shut up!!

Michael was granted a patent for the hitching mechanism which was built into the floor of the stage and the performers shoes.

Danger abounds with Annie and her friends (including John Lennon’s youngest son Sean), storm troopers, machine guns and a pint sized imitation of Michael by “baby bad Michael.”

A truly innovative project with probably one of the most mangled lyrics in music history. “Annie are you walking?” No!! It’s “Annie are you okay?”

So without further adieu, the smoothest moves of the Smooth Criminal.

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John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN
In Select Cinemas Nationwide