Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio

"I wonder if we'll find anything down here? I bet we're going to find a big blue monkey." Or maybe you won't. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, Jeff Mohr, and guest Ralph Miller III – as they do their best to find the blue monkey in Blue Monkey (1987). It's Canadian horror, ay.

Decades of Horror 1980s Episode 277 – Blue Monkey (1987)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: Detective Jim Bishop and Dr. Rachel Carson must find a way to stop a giant monstrous insect before it procreates and spreads a deadly infection it's carrying. Meanwhile, it's eating people in Dr. Carson's quarantined hospital.

• Directed by: William Fruet
• Writing Credits: George Goldsmith (written by); Chris Koseluk (story editor)
• Executive Producers: Sandy Howard, Tom Fox, Michael Masciarelli
• Special Effects by: Steve Neill (creature maker: Sirius Effects (uncredited) / creature supervisor: Sirius Effects (uncredited))
• Selected Cast:
  • Ivan E. Roth as The Creature
  • Steve Railsback as Detective Jim Bishop
  • Gwynyth Walsh as Dr. Rachel Carson
  • Don Lake as Elliot Jacobs
  • Helen Hughes as Marwella Harbison
  • Sandy Webster as Fred Adams
  • Susan Anspach as Dr. Judith Glass
  • Bill Lake as Paramedic
  • Peter Van Wart as Oscar Willets
  • Don Ritchie as Orderly #1
  • Stuart Stone as Joey
  • Marsha Moreau as Marcy
  • Nathan Adamson as Tyrone
  • Sarah Polley as Ellen
  • Joy Coghill as Dede Wilkens
  • Cynthia Belliveau as Alice Bradley
  • John Vernon as Roger Levering
  • Philip Akin as Anthony Rivers (as Phillip Akin)
  • Laura Dickson as Desk Nurse #1
  • Robin Duke as Sandra Baker
  • Joe Flaherty as George Baker
  • Jane Dingle as Desk Nurse #2
  • Dan Lett as Ted Andrews
  • Michael J. Reynolds as Albert Hooper
  • Michael Caruana as Technician
  • Gina Wilkinson as Nurse Michelle
  • David Clement as Surgeon
  • Ursula Balzer as O.R. Nurse
  • Les Rubie as Rollo Jordan
  • Reg Dreger as Policeman
  • Karen Scanlan as ISO. Nurse
  • Ralph Small as Security Guard
  • Harry Booker as Bill Clemmins
  • Jo Bates as Lobby Nurse (as Jo Anne Bates)
  • Walker Boone as Johnson
  • Rob Wilton as Orderly #2 (as Robert Wilton)
  • Alan Rosenthal as Dr. Steinberg (as Allan Rosenthal)
  • Ken Quinn as Patient

The 80s Grue-Crew and guest Ralph Miller III take a trip to a hospital in Canada to diagnose Blue Monkey (1987). This one features the beginnings of an epidemic, some ludicrous laser shenanigans, an extraordinary amount of green goo, and a freaky larva that magically metamorphoses (we think) into a giant insect that begins killing patients in the now quarantined hospital. All of this is accomplished with some generally good effects work and an abundance of pseudo-sciencing. Steven Railsback, Gwynyth Walsh, Don Lake, Susan Anspach, and John Vernon jump into the fray, accompanied by Marwella and Dede, a pair of golden girls getting drunk in the background, and Robin Dukes and Joe Flaherty having their first baby. Ah, yes. Canadian horror has such a unique flavor. As you can tell, there's plenty of material for our talkabout… even though there's no actual blue monkey.

At the time of this writing, Blue Monkey (1987) is available to stream from Tubi and multiple PPV sources.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode's film, chosen by Jeff, will be Angel (1984), starring… wait for it… Rory Calhoun! Joining him are Donna Wilkes, Cliff Gorman, Dick Shawn, Susan Tyrrell, and John Diehl, all cavorting on the strip. Unfortunately, there's a serial killer on the prowl.

Please let them know how they're doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at [email protected].

"Well, Jonathan. I'm afraid you'll be staying a while longer." Oh, good! More time with Yvette Mimieux! Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they journey to the desert of the old West, the repository of hidden cults, a man-in-black, and a traveling reverend in Black Noon (1971).

Decades of Horror 1970s Episode 233 – Black Noon (1971)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! And click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Traveling minister Reverend John Keyes and his wife Lorna are quietly menaced by a devil cult in the Old West. By the time the good Reverend figures out what's really going on, it may be too late to stop the evil.

• Directed by: Bernard L. Kowalski
• Writen by: Andrew J. Fenady
• Produced by: Andrew J. Fenady
• Selected Cast:
  • Roy Thinnes as Reverend John Keyes
  • Yvette Mimieux as Deliverance
  • Ray Milland as Caleb Hobbs
  • Gloria Grahame as Bethia
  • Lynn Loring as Lorna Keyes (as Lyn Loring)
  • Henry Silva as Moon
  • Hank Worden as Joseph
  • William Bryant as Jacob
  • Stan Barrett as Man in Mirror
  • Joshua Bryant as Towhead
  • Jennifer Bryant as Towhead
  • Charles McCready as Towhead
  • Leif Garrett as Towhead
  • David S. Cass Sr. as Man (as Dave Cass)
  • Suzan Sheppard as Wife
  • Bobby Eilbacher as Boy
  • Buddy Foster as Ethan

The Grue Crew return to the proverbial well for another made-for-TV horror movie from the 1970s, this time for Black Noon (1971), a horror western starring Roy Thinnes, Lyn Loring, Ray Milland, Yvette Mimeaux, Hank Worden, Henry Silva, and Gloria Grahame. Imagine, if you will, a reverend and his wife stranded in the desert, rescued by a trio of kindly strangers (who just happen to be out for a ride in the middle of the desert), and taken to a comforting but strange little town … in the middle of the desert. The Crew are divided on this one, but you'll have to check out the podcast to see who lands on which side of Black Noon. Regardless, the Grue Crew loves 70s made-for-TV horror movies and there is plenty of fodder for their talkabout!

At the time of this writing, Black Noon (1971) is available to stream from Tubi and YouTube.

Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Doc, will be Scars of Dracula (1970). Yes, Grue Believers, it's Hammer Time!

We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at [email protected]

"The garden is filled with monsters!" No more weeding! Hooray! Join this episode's Grue-Crew – Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff, Chad Hunt, Doc Rotten, Jeff Mohr, and guest Bill Mulligan – as they dissect one of Italy's first horror movies, Caltiki, the Immortal Monster (1959, Caltiki il mostro immortale), helmed by Riccardo Freda and Mario Bava.

Decades of Horror: The Classic Era Episode 195 – Caltiki, the Immortal Monster (1959)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! And click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

ANNOUNCEMENT Decades of Horror The Classic Era is partnering with THE CLASSIC SCI-FI MOVIE CHANNEL, THE CLASSIC HORROR MOVIE CHANNEL, and WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL Which all now include video episodes of The Classic Era! Available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, Online Website. Across All OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop. https://classicscifichannel.com/; https://classichorrorchannel.com/; https://wickedhorrortv.com/

Synopsis: A team of archaeologists in Mexico encounters an amorphous, blob-like monster that appears to be connected with the collapse of the Mayan civilization.

• Directed by: Riccardo Freda (as Robert Hamton); Mario Bava (uncredited)
• Writing Credits: Filippo Sanjust (screenplay) (as Philip Just); Riccardo Freda (screenplay) (uncredited)
• Special Effects by: Mario Bava (as Marie Foam)
• Selected Cast:
  • John Merivale as Prof. John Fielding
  • Didi Sullivan as Ellen Fielding
  • Gérard Herter as Max Gunther (as Gerard Haerter)
  • Giacomo Rossi Stuart as Prof. Rodríguez's Assistant (as G.R. Stuart)
  • Vittorio André as Prof. Rodríguez (as Victor Andrèe)
  • Daniele Vargas as Bob (as Daniel Vargas)
  • Arturo Dominici as Nieto (as Arthur Dominick)
  • Nerio Bernardi as Police Inspector (as Black Bernard)
  • Daniela Rocca as Linda
  • Gail Pearl as Indian Dancer (as Gay Pearl)
  • Armando Annuale as Journalist at Press Conference (uncredited)
  • Orlando Baralla as Scientist (uncredited)
  • Mario Bava as Mexican at Police Station (uncredited)
  • Tom Felleghy as Astronomer (uncredited)
  • Ferruccio Fregonese as Journalist at Press Conference (uncredited)
  • Sandro Mondini as Journalist at Press Conference (uncredited)
  • Renzo Palmer as Narrator (uncredited)
  • Renato Terra as Investigating Officer (uncredited)

The Grue-Crew's subject this episode is Caltiki, the Immortal Monster (1959, Caltiki il mostro immortale), the "is it Riccardo Freda's or is it Mario Bava's" Italian horror movie featuring a giant glob of tripe. Whether Freda's film, Bava's film, or both, Caltiki is a fun watch with surprising chills from such a low-budget, early entry in the now legendary Italian horror film industry. Of course, Bava's cinematography and special effects are splendidly displayed throughout the film. Bill Mulligan comes along for the Bava ride, providing his valuable insights regarding his favorite director. As Bill has written, "(Caltiki) is definitely one of the top 3 blob movies of all time, a genre that is composed of The Blob, The Blob, and Caltiki." The rest of the Grue-Crew are in complete agreement.

At the time of this writing, Caltiki, the Immortal Monster (1959) is available to stream from Tubi and PPV from Apple TV and Amazon Prime. The film is available on physical media as a 2-Disc Special Edition [Blu-ray + DVD] from Arrow Video.

For a different take, check out Paul Cardullo's Groovy Gory Gruesome Gold Review of Caltiki, the Immortal Monster here: https://gruesomemagazine.com/2017/05/21/caltiki-immortal-monster/

Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror: The Classic Era records a new episode every two weeks. Next in their very flexible schedule – this one chosen by Jeff – is The Curse of the Crying Woman (1963, La maldición de la Llorona), a Mexican horror film directed by Rafael Baledón and featuring Rita Macedo, Rosita Arenas, Abel Salazar, Carlos López Moctezuma, and Enrique Lucero.

Please let them know how they're doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel, the site, or email the Decades of Horror: The Classic Era podcast hosts at [email protected]

To each of you from each of them, "Thank you so much for watching and listening!"

"Dan, I'm dead! Please bury me!" That's not something you hear every day. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Bill Mulligan, Jeff Mohr, and guest Gregory Crosby – as they discuss Dead and Buried (1981), a Stan Winston showcase.

Decades of Horror 1980s Episode 276 – Dead and Buried (1981)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: When visitors to the small, friendly, coastal town of Potter's Bluff are mysteriously killed, Sheriff Gillis investigates and finds that the recently killed are reanimating and coming back to life.

• Directed by: Gary Sherman (as Gary A. Sherman)
• Writing Credits: Ronald Shusett & Dan O'Bannon (screenplay); Jeff Millar & Alex Stern (story); Chelsea Quinn Yarbro (novel)
• Music by: Joe Renzetti
• Cinematography by: Steven Poster
• Makeup Department: Stan Winston (makeup effects designer)
• Special Effects by: James Kagel (sculptor); James Cummins (lab technician) (uncredited)
• Visual Effects by: Bill Hansard (process coordinator)
• Selected Cast:
  • James Farentino as Sheriff Dan Gillis
  • Melody Anderson as Janet Gillis
  • Jack Albertson as William G. Dobbs
  • Dennis Redfield as Ron
  • Nancy Locke as Linda (as Nancy Locke Hauser)
  • Lisa Blount as Girl on the Beach / Nurse Lisa
  • Robert Englund as Harry
  • Bill Quinn as Ernie
  • Michael Currie as Herman
  • Christopher Allport as George Le Moyne / Freddie
  • Joseph G. Medalis as Doctor (as Joe Medalis)
  • Macon McCalman as Ben
  • Lisa Marie as Hitchhiker
  • Estelle Omens as Betty
  • Barry Corbin as Phil
  • Linda Shusett as Waitress (as Linda Turley)
  • Ed Bakey as Fisherman
  • Glenn Morshower as Jimmy
  • Robert Boler as Mr. Haskell
  • Michael Pataki as Sam
  • Jill Fosse as Nurse
  • Mark Courtney as Jamie
  • Michael Courtney as Jamie
  • Renee McDonell as Girl #1
  • Dottie Catching as Lady Car Passenger
  • Colby Smith as Female Stranger
  • Judy Ashton as Joyce
  • Anthony Cecere as Townsperson (uncredited)
  • Bill Couch Jr. as Townsperson (uncredited)
  • Bill Couch as Townsperson (uncredited)
  • Angelo De Meo as Townsperson (uncredited)

Dead and Buried (1981) is a phenomenal film! There is plenty to discuss regarding the making of this movie as well as the methods used to achieve its look. The Grue-Crew, joined by Gregory Crosby, are in awe of Stan Winston's effects work. "Awe," they say! Jack Albertson, in his last role, delivers his portrayal of the big-band-loving, splendidly attired mortician with style and grace. James Farentino's character, the town sheriff, is put through the wringer as he tries to figure out just WTF is going on in "his" town. As Joseph Heller wrote and Sheriff Gillis learns, "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you." Then, there's that ending! Don't get the Grue-Crew wrong. Dead and Buried has its flaws, but the good parts are so good!

Doc Rotten, The Black Saint, Christopher G. Moor, and Thomas Mariani discussed Dead and Buried in a previous episode of Decades of Horror 1980s published July 2016. You can listen to the audio-only podcast here: Dead and Buried — Episode 86 — Decades of Horror 1980s (https://gruesomemagazine.com/2016/07/14/podcast-dead-buried-episode-86-decades-horror-1980s/)

At the time of this writing, Dead and Buried (1981) is available to stream from Tubi, Pluto TV, Prime, Peacock, and Night Flight, and PPV from Apple TV. It is also available on physical media in various combinations of 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and soundtrack CD from Blue Underground.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode's film, chosen by Chad, will be Blue Monkey (1987). There are no real blue monkeys, but there is a giant insect that eats people. And in a hospital, yet! Oh boy!!

Please let them know how they're doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at [email protected].

'I remembered that I was sneakin' out the back door of the bar. So I said to myself, man, I said,"What the *fuck* are you doin', man? Sneakin' out the back door, runnin' away, man, from what? I mean, you didn't do nothin'. Nobody can prove that you did nothin' because you did not do nothin'."' As usual, he had an elaborate alibi. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr, along with guest Dirk Rogers – as they discuss Eyes of Laura Mars (1978), … a movie with a script co-written by John Carpenter?

Decades of Horror 1970s Episode 232 – Eyes of Laura Mars (1978)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! And click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: Fashion photographer Laura Mars, whose photographs contain violent images, develops the ability to see through a killer's eyes. Detective John Neville notes striking similarities between her art photos and those of actual crime scenes and realizes that she can see what is happening through the eyes of the killer. Mars and Neville join forces to identify the killer before she, too, becomes a victim.

• Directed by: Irvin Kershner
• Writing Credits: (screenplay) John Carpenter and David Zelag Goodman; (story) John Carpenter; Tommy Lee Jones (monologue writer) (uncredited); Julian Barry (uncredited); Mart Crowley (uncredited); Joan Tewkesbury (uncredited)
• Produced by: Jack H. Harris (executive producer), Jon Peters (producer), Laura Ziskin (associate producer)
• Selected Cast:
  • Faye Dunaway as Laura Mars
  • Tommy Lee Jones as John Neville
  • Brad Dourif as Tommy Ludlow
  • Rene Auberjonois as Donald Phelps
  • Raul Julia as Michael Reisler (as R.J.)
  • Michael Tucker as Bert
  • Frank Adonis as Sal Volpe
  • Lisa Taylor as Michele
  • Darlanne Fluegel as Lulu
  • Rose Gregorio as Elaine Cassell
  • Bill Boggs as Bill Boggs
  • Steve Marachuk as Robert
  • Meg Mundy as Doris Spenser
  • Marilyn Meyers as Sheila Weissman
  • Gary Bayer as Reporter
  • Mitchell Edmonds as Reporter
  • Jeff Niki as Photo Assistant
  • Nicholas Guest as Party Guest (uncredited)
  • Jack H. Harris as Man in Gallery (uncredited)

John Carpenter wrote a script and it became Eyes of Laura Mars (1978). However, there was so little similarity between the finished product and his original script that Carpenter had little more to do with the film. Even so, Faye Dunaway, Tommy Lee Jones, Rene Auberjonois, Brad Dourif, and Raul Julia add credence to the movie along with Irvin Kershner's direction and some very Giallo-like touches. Where will the Grue-Crew, joined by Dirk Rogers, come down amid the muddled aspects of Eyes of Laura Mars? You'll just have to check it out to find out. Incidentally, did you notice Brad Dourif was in the film?

At the time of this writing, Eyes of Laura Mars (1978) is available to stream from Tubi and multiple PPV sources. It is available on physical media as a Blu-ray formatted disc from Kino Lorber Studio Classics and from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Bill, will be Black Noon (1971), a TV movie, horror western starring Roy Thinnes, Lynn Loring, Yvette Mimeaux, Ray Milland, and Henry Silva. Mr. Mulligan tells us it's pretty good.

We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at [email protected].

"Pfah! What kind of sense does that make? Is sugar a rare cargo? Is there a black market for it? Did you ever hear of a fence for hot sugar? If I was gonna make a deal with crooks to steal somethin', it wouldn't be for forty tons of sugar." If you were a giant ant you would. Join this episode's Grue-Crew – Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff, Chad Hunt, Doc Rotten, and Jeff Mohr, along with guest Gregory Crosby – as they take a deep crawl into THEM! (1954), one of the all-time great big-bug movies!

Decades of Horror: The Classic Era Episode 194 – THEM! (1954)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! And click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

ANNOUNCEMENT Decades of Horror The Classic Era is partnering with THE CLASSIC SCI-FI MOVIE CHANNEL, THE CLASSIC HORROR MOVIE CHANNEL, and WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL Which all now include video episodes of The Classic Era! Available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, Online Website. Across All OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop. https://classicscifichannel.com/; https://classichorrorchannel.com/; https://wickedhorrortv.com/

Synopsis: The earliest atomic tests in New Mexico cause common ants to mutate into giant man-eating monsters that threaten civilization.

• Director: Gordon Douglas
• Writing Credits: Ted Sherdeman (screenplay); Russell S. Hughes (adaptation) (as Russell Hughes); George Worthing Yates (story)
• Special Effects by: Ralph Ayres (special effects); Ardell Lytle (pyroeffects supervisor) (uncredited)
• Selected Cast:
  • James Whitmore as Sgt. Ben Peterson
  • Edmund Gwenn as Dr. Harold Medford
  • Joan Weldon as Dr. Patricia Medford
  • James Arness as Robert Graham
  • Onslow Stevens as Brig. Gen. Robert O'Brien
  • Sean McClory as Maj. Kibbee
  • Christian Drake as Trooper Ed Blackburn (as Chris Drake)
  • Sandy Descher as The Ellinson Girl
  • Mary Alan Hokanson as Mrs. Lodge (as Mary Ann Hokanson)
  • Don Shelton as Trooper Capt. Fred Edwards
  • Fess Parker as Alan Crotty
  • Olin Howland as Jensen (as Olin Howlin)
  • Richard Bellis as Mike Lodge (uncredited)
  • John Beradino as Patrolman Ryan (uncredited)
  • Robert Berger as Patrolman Sutton (uncredited)
  • Oscar Blank as Alcoholic Ward Patient (uncredited)
  • Willis Bouchey as Official at D.C. Meeting (uncredited)
  • Richard Deacon as Bald Reporter (uncredited)
  • Ann Doran as Child Psychiatrist (uncredited)
  • Leonard Nimoy as Army Sergeant in Information Center (uncredited)
  • William Schallert as Ambulance Attendant (uncredited)
  • Douglas Spencer as Bit Part (uncredited)
  • Dub Taylor as Railroad Yard Watchman (uncredited)
  • Dick York as Teenager in Police Station (uncredited)

THEM! is generally considered the first giant bug movie, and according to the Grue Crew, who are joined by Gregory Crosby, it's the best of the lot! A top-notch script delivered by a great cast and helmed by an experienced, successful director makes for an excellent film. Combine some pretty-damn-fine giant ants with expert cinematography, just the right editing, and some very disturbing ant-chirping, and the ants are truly terrifying. Edmund Gwenn (who is not in The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms), Joan Weldon, James Whitmore, and James Arness lead the way with an incredibly long list of familiar character actors. Even Dick York (Samantha's first husband on Bewitched, not her second) makes an uncredited appearance.

The Grue Crew again go for a record-length talkabout but there really is so much to discuss with THEM! and we had so much fun doing it! We hope you enjoy it as much as we did recording it.

At the time of this writing, THEM! (1954) is available to stream by subscription from IndieFlix and PPV from multiple sources. The film is available on physical media as a Blu-ray disc from Warner Home Video.

Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror: The Classic Era records a new episode every two weeks. Next in their very flexible schedule – this one chosen by Chad – is Caltiki, the Immortal Monster (1959). Was it directed by Riccardo Freda, Robert Hamton, Mario Bava, or all of the above? Bill Mulligan (known as "Bava Bill") will be joining us to help us untangle the entanglement, and to help us find the source of that awful smell.

Please let them know how they're doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel, the site, or email the Decades of Horror: The Classic Era podcast hosts at [email protected] To each of you from each of them, "Thank you so much for watching and listening!"

"I think it's unwise to use movies as a guide for reality. Don't you, Inspector?" Now they tell you! Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they take in Dario Argento's Opera (1987).

Decades of Horror 1980s Episode 275 – Opera (1987)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: A young opera singer is stalked by a deranged fan bent on killing the people associated with her to claim her for himself.

• Directed by: Dario Argento
• Writing Credits: Dario Argento & Franco Ferrini
• Special Effects by: Renato Agostini (special effects designer)
• Selected Cast:
  • Cristina Marsillach as Betty
  • Ian Charleson as Marco
  • Urbano Barberini as Inspector Alan Santini
  • Daria Nicolodi as Mira
  • Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni as Giulia (as Coralina Cataldi Tassoni)
  • Antonella Vitale as Marion
  • William McNamara as Stefano
  • Barbara Cupisti as Signora Albertini
  • Antonino Iuorio as Baddini (as Antonio Juorio)
  • Carola Stagnaro as Alma's Mother
  • Francesca Cassola as Alma
  • Maurizio Garrone as Maurizio – Raven Trainer
  • Cristina Giachino as Maria – Assistant Director
  • György Gyõriványi as Miro (as Gyorivany Gyorgy)
  • Bjorn Hammer as Cop #1
  • Peter Pitsch as Mara Czekova's Assistant
  • Sebastiano Somma as Cop #2

Dario Argento's Opera (1987) is set during a production of Macbeth, a Giuseppe Verdi opera, and is filmed mainly in Teatro Regio di Parma, an opera house in Parma, Italy. The film features lavish costuming and many of the standard giallo tropes – a killer in black gloves, inept police, creative cinematography, and innovative kills – along with an unkindness of ravens. Or is it a conspiracy of ravens? There's not much new in Opera story-wise, but the Grue Crew still had fun with the visuals and the ravens plopped down right in the middle of an operatic production of Shakespeare's legendary, cursed play.

At the time of this writing, Opera (1987) is available to stream from Shudder and Night Flight with subscriptions and PPV from Apple TV. It is also available on physical media from Severin as a 2-Disc Blu-ray, a 3-Disc 4K UHD, and a Limited Edition 5-Disc 4K UHD + Booklet w/Slipcase.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode's film, chosen by Crystal, will be Dead and Buried (1981), a film covered over 8 years ago by a different 80s crew. Eerie deaths in a sleepy coastal town with effects by Stan Winston? The Crew is in… again!

Please let them know how they're doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at [email protected].

"Ghosts? That's a rather sticky one, isn't it? I'm not quite certain what you mean, I mean, I'm never quite certain what we are invited to believe, I mean, when anybody asks me a question like that. I'm not even quite certain what I'm being invited to disbelieve." Ah, yes. British ghost stories. And on Christmas. What could be better? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they create a makeshift anthology from the 1970s BBC series, A Ghost Story for Christmas!

Decades of Horror 1970s Episode 231 – A Ghost Story for Christmas (1970s)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! And click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Decades of Horror 1970s is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of the podcast and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

A Ghost Story for Christmas

• "Whistle and I'll Come to You," Omnibus S1.E17 ( May 7, 1968)
  • Synopsis: A skeptical professor on vacation in Norfolk finds a cursed whistle.
  • Directed by: Jonathan Miller
  • Writing Credits: M.R. James (story "Oh, Whistle, and I'll Come to You, My Lad," ); Jonathan Miller (adaptation)
  • Selected Cast:
    • Michael Hordern as Professor Parkins
    • Ambrose Coghill as Colonel
    • George Woodbridge as Hotel Proprietor
    • Nora Gordon as Proprietress
    • Freda Dowie as Maid
• "Lost Hearts" (Dec 25, 1973)
  • Synopsis: A young orphan, Stephen, is sent to live with his strange, much older cousin at his remote country house. Once there, Stephen experiences terrible dreams in which he sees a young girl and boy.
  • Directed by: Lawrence Gordon Clark
  • Writing Credits: M.R. James (story); Robin Chapman (dramatization)
  • Selected Cast:
    • Simon Gipps-Kent as Stephen
    • Joseph O'Conor as Mr. Abney
    • James Mellor as Parkes
    • Susan Richards as Mrs. Bunch
    • Christopher Davis as Boy
    • Michelle Foster as Girl
    • Roger Milner as Vicar
    • Carina Wyeth as Girl – Flashback Scenes (uncredited)
• "The Signalman" (Dec 22, 1976)
  • Synopsis. A lonely Signalman is visited by a stranger.
  • Directed by: Lawrence Gordon Clark
  • Writing Credits: Charles Dickens (story); Andrew Davies (adaptation)
  • Selected Cast:
    • Denholm Elliott as The Signalman
    • Bernard Lloyd as The Traveller
    • Reginald Jessup as The Engine Driver
    • Carina Wyeth as The Bride

The Grue-Crew assembled their own anthology for this holiday episode and cheated a bit on the decade. They discuss three ghost stories from the United Kingdom. Two are based on stories by M.R. James and one by Charles Dickens; two tales are taken from the 1970s BBC series A Ghost Story for Christmas and the third is the 1968 inspiration for the series. The subjects of this episode are:

1. "Whistle and I'll Come to You," Omnibus S1.E17, M.R. James ( May 7, 1968)
2. "Lost Hearts," A Ghost Story for Christmas, M.R. James (Dec 25, 1973)
3. "The Signalman" A Ghost Story for Christmas, Charles Dickens (Dec 22, 1976)

The 70s crew are divided on one of the shorts but unanimously enthusiastic on the other two. The Brits do ghost stories very well, don't they?

At the time of this writing, all episodes of A Ghost Story for Christmas (1970s) are available to stream from Shudder. They are also available on physical media on six Blu-ray formatted discs contained in Ghost Stories for Christmas, Volumes 1 & 2, from BFI (may not play on most DVD/Blu-Ray players sold in the US due to region encoding incompatibility).

Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next episode, chosen by Chad, will be Eyes of Laura Mars (1978), with a script co-written by John Carpenter and starring Faye Dunaway, Tommy Lee Jones, Rene Auberjonois, Brad Dourif, and Raul Julia. Hmmm. What will they think?

We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at [email protected].

"Bring your bug juice and let's go!" Wait. Are spiders bugs? Shouldn't they be using spider juice? Join this episode's Grue-Crew – Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff, Chad Hunt, Doc Rotten, and Jeff Mohr – as they figure out which juice should be used against the giant creature in Earth vs. the Spider (1958)!

Decades of Horror: The Classic Era Episode 193 – Earth vs. the Spider (1958)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! And click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

ANNOUNCEMENT Decades of Horror The Classic Era is partnering with THE CLASSIC SCI-FI MOVIE CHANNEL, THE CLASSIC HORROR MOVIE CHANNEL, and WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL Which all now include video episodes of The Classic Era! Available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, Online Website. Across All OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop. https://classicscifichannel.com/; https://classichorrorchannel.com/; https://wickedhorrortv.com/

Teenagers from a rural community and their high school science teacher join forces to battle a giant mutant spider.

• Directed by: Bert I. Gordon
• Writing Credits: (screenplay by) László Görög (as Laszlo Gorog) and George Worthing Yates; (story by) Bert I. Gordon
• Produced by: Samuel Z. Arkoff (executive producer), James H. Nicholson (executive producer), Bert I. Gordon (producer), Henry Schrage (assistant producer)
• Music by: Albert Glasser
• Cinematography by: Jack A. Marta (director of photography) (as Jack Marta)
• Selected Cast:
  • Ed Kemmer as Professor Art Kingman
  • June Kenney as Carol Flynn
  • Eugene Persson as Mike Simpson (as Gene Persson)
  • Gene Roth as Sheriff Cagle
  • Hal Torey as Mr. Simpson
  • June Jocelyn as Mrs. Jack Flynn
  • Mickey Finn as Sam Haskel
  • Sally Fraser as Mrs. Helen Kingman
  • Troy Patterson as Joe
  • Skip Young as Sam the Bass Player
  • Howard Wright as Jake
  • Bill Giorgio as Deputy Sheriff Pete Sanders
  • Hank Patterson as Hugo the Janitor
  • Jack Kosslyn as Mr. Fraser
  • Bob Garnet as Pest Control Man
  • Shirley Falls as Switchboard Operator
  • Robert Tetrick as Deputy Sheriff Dave (as Bob Tetrick)
  • Nancy Kilgas as Dancer
  • George Stanley as Man in Cavern
  • David Tomack as Power Line Foreman
  • Merritt Stone as Jack Flynn
  • James Burton as Teenager in Band (uncredited)
  • Dick D'Agostin as Pianist (uncredited)

The Classic Era Grue Crew go B-I-G for this episode! Yes, it's time for some Bert I. Gordon! For the Decades of Horror's fourth excursion into BIG territory, the crew crawls all over Earth vs. the Spider (1958), also known as The Spider. Gordon uses his usual visual effects techniques to achieve the "50 tons of creeping black horror" as advertised, and, as usual, scales may vary. Gordon gets an assist from Paul Blaisdell with a hairy spider leg and a desiccated body. Throw in a fearless high school girl and her dumb boyfriend, their 35-year-old classmate, their science teacher, a goofy sheriff, and a brawny construction foreman, and viewers get exactly what they expect in a B.I.G. extravaganza. What a fun talkabout!

At the time of this writing, Earth vs. the Spider (1958) is available to stream from the Classic Sci-Fi Movie Channel, the Classic Horror Movie Channel, Wicked Horror TV, Shudder, AMC+, Prime, Tubi, and Crackle. The film is available on physical media as a Blu-ray disc from Shout Factory.

Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror: The Classic Era records a new episode every two weeks. Next in their very flexible schedule – this one chosen by Chad – is Them! (1954). The Classic Era Grue Crew is on a big-bug-roll and this might be the granddaddy of them all!

Please let them know how they're doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: leave them a message or leave a comment on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel, the site, or email the Decades of Horror: The Classic Era podcast hosts at [email protected]

To each of you from each of them, "Thank you so much for watching and listening!"

"Man, this is the dumbest movie I ever saw!" What does it mean when one of the movie's characters makes this pronouncement? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they take in TerrorVision (1986), a no-holds-barred, goofy festival of excess.

Decades of Horror 1980s Episode 274 – TerrorVision (1986)

Join the Crew on the Gruesome Magazine YouTube channel! Subscribe today! Click the alert to get notified of new content! https://youtube.com/gruesomemagazine

Gruesome Magazine is partnering with the WICKED HORROR TV CHANNEL (https://wickedhorrortv.com/) which now includes video episodes of Decades of Horror 1980s and is available on Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, and its online website across all OTT platforms, as well as mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Synopsis: Stan installs satellite TV for his family, but soon, he picks up a signal from another planet, and his television system becomes the gateway between the two. When a creature comes to his apartment, only their son Sherman sees it, but his parents don't believe the boy.

• Written & Directed by: Ted Nicolaou
• Special Makeup Effects Artist: R. Christopher Biggs
• Special Effects by:
  • John Carl Buechler (tv monster and special effects makeup designer and supervisor: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Brent Armstrong (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Michael Deak (MMI Liaison USA: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Cleve Hall (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Daniel Hoffman (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Robert Kurtzman (creature effects: fabrication & operation)
  • Michelle Oggeri (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Margherita Regina (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
  • Desiree Soto Vaughn (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.) (as Desiree Vaughn-Soto)
  • John Vulich (creature fabricator & operator: Mechanical and Makeup Imageries, Inc.)
• Selected Cast:
  • Diane Franklin as Suzy
  • Gerrit Graham as Stan
  • Mary Woronov as Raquel
  • Chad Allen as Sherman
  • Jon Gries as O.D. (as Jonathan Gries)
  • Bert Remsen as Grampa
  • Alejandro Rey as Spiro
  • Randi Brooks as Cherry
  • Jennifer Richards as Medusa
  • Sonny Carl Davis as Norton
  • Ian Patrick Williams as Nutky
  • William Paulson as Pluthar
  • John Leamer as Chauffeur
  • Frank Welker as Monster voice

TerrorVision!! It's a perfect example of "over-the-top" in all aspects of the film: the acting, the effects, the production design, and the script. The 80s Grue Crew also laud the casting and directing, resulting in pitch-perfect performances from Diane Franklin, Mary Woronov, Gerrit Graham, Chad Evans, Bert Remsen, Alejandro Rey, Randi Brooks, Jennifer Richards, and Sonny Carl Davis. Even the effects provided by John Carl Buechler and his shop could be perceived as over-the-top. What a fun fun movie! Check out our talkabout and see if you agree!

At the time of this writing, TerrorVision (1986) is available to stream from YouTube. It is also available on physical media along with The Video Dead as a double-feature Blu-ray formatted disc from SHOUT! Factory.

Every two weeks, Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror 1980s podcast will cover another horror film from the 1980s. The next episode's film, chosen by Bill, will be Dario Argento's Opera (1987). Everybody loves giallo for the holidays!

Please let them know how they're doing! They want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans – so leave them a message or comment on the Gruesome Magazine Youtube channel, on the Gruesome Magazine website, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at [email protected].