Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio

"What is real? Are you certain you know what reality is? How do you know that at this second you aren't asleep in your beds dreaming that you are here in this theater? Ah, yes… it all seems too real." Are you sure this guy is a wizard? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they brave the world of Herschell Gordon Lewis with The Wizard of Gore (1970).

Decades of Horror 1970s Episode 253 – The Wizard of Gore (1970)

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 1970s 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 TV talk-show hostess and her boyfriend investigate a shady magician who has the ability to hypnotize and control the thoughts of people in order to stage gory on-stage illusions using his powers of mind-bending.

• Director: Herschell Gordon Lewis
• Writer: Allen Kahn (screenplay)
• Selected Cast:
  • Ray Sager as Montag the Magnificent
  • Judy Cler as Sherry Carson
  • Wayne Ratay as Jack
  • Phil Laurenson as Greg
  • Jim Rau as Steve
  • Don Alexander as Det. Kramer
  • John Elliot as Det. Harlan (as John Elliot)
  • Jack Gilbreth as Maitre d'Hotel
  • Karin Alexana as Stage Girl #1 – Chainsaw Victim
  • Corinne Kirkin as Stage Girl #2 – Headpike Victim
  • Monica Blackwell as Stage Girl #3 – Punchpress Victim (as Monika Blackwell)
  • Sally Brody as Stage Girl #4 – Sword Victim
  • Karen Burke as Stage Girl #5 – Sword Victim
  • Eric Kelner Raynard as Coroner
  • Sheldon Reis as Audience Member
  • Julie Yager as Secretary

Herschell Gordon Lewis, heralded as the Godfather of Gore, is the producer/director of this episode's selection, The Wizard of Gore (1970). This is the second time a Decades of Horror Grue-Crew has ventured into HGL territory. The first is Two Thousand Maniacs (1964), Classic Era #112, when guest host Sammie Cassell chose it for the Grue-Crew's consumption. The Wizard of Gore does not disappoint with the levels of gore incorporated into a story whose only goal is to provide opportunities for more gore. (Did that make sense?) So, lots of bargain basement gore and acting put into an exploitative plot. What else would you expect from the Godfather of Gore? But, hey, the Grue-Crew still has fun!

At the time of this writing, The Wizard of Gore (1970) is available to stream from the Classic Horror Movie Channel, Flix Fling, and Cultpix.

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 '70s episode, chosen by Bill, will be Disney's The Black Hole (1979), featuring an all-star cast and some amazeballs visual effects. You'll want to be there!

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].

"Women! They let 'em vote, smoke, and drive – even put 'em in pants! But what do you get? A Democrat for president! A lot of smoke up your chimney! Russian roulette on the highway! You can't even tell brother from sister unless you meet 'em head-on." Don't worry. This neanderthal doesn't last long. Join this episode's Grue-Crew – Doc Rotten, Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they visit the bizarre world of Russ Meyer in Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1965).

Decades of Horror: The Classic Era Episode 215 – Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1965)

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: Three thrill-seeking go-go dancers kidnap a young girl and attempt to swindle an old rancher and his two sons out of their small fortune, but their scheme does not play out as they intended.

• Director: Russ Meyer
• Writers: Jackie Moran (screenplay) (as Jack Moran); Russ Meyer (original story)
• Selected Cast:
  • Tura Satana as Varla
  • Haji as Rosie
  • Lori Williams as Billie
  • Ray Barlow as Tommy
  • Sue Bernard as Linda (as Susan Bernard)
  • Michael Finn as Gas Station Attendant (as Mickey Foxx)
  • Dennis Busch as The Vegetable
  • Stuart Lancaster as The Old Man
  • Paul Trinka as Kirk

This episode, the Classic Era Grue-Crew bathe in the glory of the Russ Meyer cult classic Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1965). It's hard to explain. What, at first glance, appears to be pure exploitation morphs into a feminist flick right before your eyes. Three hedonistic, burlesque dancers — Tura Satana, Haji, and Lori Williams — come right at you, living life as they want, taking no prisoners. It's impossible to ignore the power exuding from these three women, especially Tura Satana, their rightful leader. Stuart Lancaster, Paul Trinka, and Dennis Busch portray a father and his two sons, making up the counterparts to the pussycats. Sue Bernard plays a high schooler who stumbles between the two trios, creating several motivations for the story to progress. It looks silly, and maybe it is, but there's something about Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! that sinks its claws into you and won't let go, a depth that deserves more scrutiny. What a blast!

At the time of this writing, Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1965) is available to stream from YouTube. In physical media, the film is available on a standard Blu-ray disc from RM Films.

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 Torture Garden (1967), Amicus Productions' second portmanteau and the last one left to be covered by Decades of Horror. This one features Burgess Meredith, Peter Cushing, and Jack Palance. We're so excited!

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 website, 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!"

"You're all gonna die in there! All of you! You are gonna die!" Well, for heaven's sake, we all die. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they check out Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986), the sequel to the Spielberg-Hooper blockbuster.

Decades of Horror 1980s Episode 296 – Poltergeist II: The Other Side (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

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 Freeling family has a new house, but their troubles with supernatural forces don't seem to be over.

• Director: Brian Gibson
• Writers: Mark Victor & Michael Grais
• Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
• Cinematographer: Andrew Laszlo
• Makeup Department:
  • Lynda Gurasich (hair stylist)
  • Todd Masters (special makeup effects producer)
  • Ben Nye III (makeup artist) (as Ben Nye Jr.)
  • Adam Hill (special makeup effects moldmaker: Boss Films) (uncredited)
• Conceptual Artist: H.R. Giger
• Visual Effects: Boss Film Corporation; including Richard Edlund (visual effects supervisor), Steve Johnson (creatures creator), Randall William Cook (creatures creator), Screaming Mad George (creature crew)
• Selected Cast:
  • JoBeth Williams as Diane Freeling (as Jobeth Williams)
  • Craig T. Nelson as Steve Freeling
  • Heather O'Rourke as Carol Anne Freeling
  • Oliver Robins as Robbie Freeling
  • Zelda Rubinstein as Tangina Barrons
  • Will Sampson as Taylor
  • Julian Beck as Kane
  • Geraldine Fitzgerald as Gramma Jess
  • John P. Whitecloud as Old Indian
  • Noble Craig as Vomit Creature
  • Susan Peretz as Daughter
  • Helen Boll as Mother
  • Kelly Jean Peters as Young Jess
  • Jaclyn Bernstein as Young Diane
  • Robert Lesser, Jamie Abbott, Ann Louise Bardach, Syd Beard, David Beaman, Hayley Taylor (as Hayley Taylor-Block), Pamela Gordon, Chelsea Hertford, Whit Flint (as Whitby Hertford), Rocky Krakoff, Carrie Lorraine, Kathy Wagner, Bill Schroeder as KANE'S PEOPLE
  • Corey Burton as Reverend Henry Kane (voice) (uncredited)

The 80s Grue-Crew head back to sequel land for this episode and stumble into Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986). The Crew love the cast (Julian Beck, Heather O'Rourke, Will Sampson, Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Oliver Robins, Zelda Rubinstein, Geraldine Fitzgerald) and the practical effects from the likes of Steve Johnson, Randall William Cook, and Screaming Mad George, but found the story lacking… with reasons. Just when we thought we were winding up the episode, we entered into a thirty-minute debate on whether Brian Cox or Anthony Hopkins made the better Hannibal Lecter, prompted by several Grue-Believer comments on our episode on Manhunter (1986). What a fun episode!

At the time of this writing, Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986) is available to stream from Kanopy, Hoopla, Roku, MGM+, and multiple PPV sources. The movie is available on physical media as Poltergeist II: The Other Side – Collector's Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray [4K UHD] 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 Chad, is Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) with a screenplay by Ray Bradbury based on his novel. Dark's Pandemonium Carnival is coming to town!

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].

"The dead of night exists in all of us, and no one knows at what strange, unexpected moment it will make itself known. And so tonight, for your entertainment, three tales: one of mystery, one of imagination, and one of terror." Yay! Break out the popcorn! Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they stay another night in TV-land and cuddle up with Dan Curtis's Dead of Night (1977).

Decades of Horror 1970s Episode 252 – Dead of Night (1977)

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 1970s 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: Three tales of mystery, imagination and terror.

• "Second Chance" (1st Segment): After buying an antique automobile, Frank restores the vehicle to its original condition. Along with the car, Frank is transported back in time to the year 1926.
  • Director: Dan Curtis
  • Writer: Richard Matheson (written by); Jack Finney (published story by)
  • Composer: Bob Cobert (all segments)(as Robert Cobert)
  • Cinematographer: Ric Waite (all segments)
  • Selected Cast:
    • Ed Begley Jr. as Frank Cantrell
    • E.J. André as Mr. McCauley
    • Ann Doran as Mrs. McCauley
    • Christina Hart as Helen McCauley (as Christine Hart)
    • Michael Talbott as Vinnie McCauley (uncredited)
• "No Such Thing as a Vampire" (2nd segment): Alexis, the mistress of an old mansion, is terrified of vampires. When her husband calls in a friend to examine her, a macabre scheme unfolds.
  • Director: Dan Curtis
  • Writer: Richard Matheson (written by) (story by)
  • Selected Cast:
    • Patrick Macnee as Dr. Gheria (as Patrick MacNee)
    • Anjanette Comer as Alexis
    • Elisha Cook Jr. as Karel (as Elisha Cook)
    • Horst Buchholz as Michael (as Horst Bucholz)
• "Bobby" (3rd segment): On a dark and stormy night, a boy, thought to be dead, surprises his despondent mother at the family beach house, bringing her both extreme joy and overwhelming terror.
  • Director: Dan Curtis
  • Writer: Richard Matheson (written by)
  • Selected Cast:
    • Joan Hackett as Alma
    • Lee Montgomery as Bobby (as Lee H. Montgomery)

The 70s Grue-Crew returns to the deep well of made-for-TV horror movies. This time, they cavort with a pair who feel like old friends: Dan Curtis and Richard Matheson. Dead of Night (1977) doesn't sit at the pinnacle of its sub-subgenre, but it holds its own. The cast features some excellent actors: Patrick Macnee, Elisha Cook Jr., Ed Begley Jr., Joan Hackett, and Lee Montgomery. Matheson does his usual fine job with the screenplays, one of which is based on a Jack Finney story. The Crew have different ideas of the best and worst segments, but that's what makes it fun. Be sure to stick around for the feedback section at the end of the episode. Some Grue-Believers chimed in with their favorite 70s horror movies, one for each year of the decade. (Hint, hint! You can still chime in on your faves for the next episode's feedback. )

At the time of this writing, Dead of Night (1977) is available to stream from Hoopla and PPV on Prime. The film is also available on physical media as a Blu-ray formatted disc from KL Studio Classics (release date: October 28, 2025).

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 '70s episode, chosen by Chad, will be Herschell Gordon Lewis's The Wizard of Gore (1970). … Yikes?

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].

"I don't mind dying, but I hate the preliminaries." Join this episode's Grue-Crew – Doc Rotten, Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they make a trip to an old dark house, or rather an old dark castle with The Ghost Breakers (1940).

Decades of Horror: The Classic Era Episode 214 – The Ghost Breakers (1940)

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 radio broadcaster, his manservant, and an heiress investigate the mystery of a haunted castle in Cuba.

• Director: George Marshall
• Writers: Walter DeLeon (screenplay); (based on a play by) Paul Dickey and Charles W. Goddard
• Selected Cast:
  • Bob Hope as Larry Lawrence
  • Paulette Goddard as Mary Carter
  • Willie Best as Alex
  • Richard Carlson as Geoff Montgomery
  • Paul Lukas as Parada
  • Anthony Quinn as Ramon Mederos/Francisco Mederos
  • Noble Johnson as The Zombie
  • Pedro de Cordoba as Havez (as Pedro De Cordoba)
  • Virginia Brissac as Mother Zombie
  • Tom Dugan as Raspy Kelly
  • Paul Fix as Frenchy Duval
  • Lloyd Corrigan as Martin
  • Douglas Kennedy as Intern (uncredited)
  • Robert Ryan as Intern (uncredited)

The Grue-Crew needed some levity — some jocularity, if you will — and The Ghost Breakers (1940) turned out to be just the ticket. Bob Hope and Willie Best connect seamlessly with perfect comedic timing and finesse. Paulette Goddard provides the love interest for Lawrence Lawrence Lawrence and makes a welcome and capable addition to a trio of protagonists with Hope and Best. Paul Lukas, Anthony Quinn, and Richard Carlson are cast as the possible culprits/red herrings. Not to be ignored, Noble Johnson makes one of the best voodoo zombies in memory. But, alas, the purpose of Lloyd Corrigan's puzzling presence in the film is never revealed. If you're looking for some good schtick, one-liners, and laughs, The Ghost Breakers will tickle your funnybone. And there's even a real ghost!

At the time of this writing, The Ghost Breakers (1940) is available to stream from Classic Horror Movie Channel, Plex, Flix Fling, Mometu, and $4 PPV. In terms of physical media, the film is available as a standard Blu-ray formatted disc from KL Studio Classics.

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 Daphne – is Russ Meyer's Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1965) with Tura Satana, Haji, and Lori Williams. One thing is for sure: this flick has some of the best taglines yet!

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 website, 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!"

"Do you know how you caught me? The reason you caught me, Will, is we're just alike. If you want the scent, smell yourself." Well, that, and you're insane! Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they check out Hannibal Lecter's coming-out party in Michael Mann's Manhunter (1986).

Decades of Horror 1980s Episode 295 – Manhunter (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

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: Former FBI profiler Will Graham returns to service to pursue a deranged serial killer dubbed "the Tooth Fairy" by the media.

• Director: Michael Mann
• Writers: Michael Mann (screenplay by); Thomas Harris (based on the 1981 novel Red Dragon by)
• Cinematographer: Dante Spinotti
• Selected Cast:
  • William Petersen as Will Graham
  • Kim Greist as Molly Graham
  • Joan Allen as Reba
  • Brian Cox as Dr. Lecktor
  • Dennis Farina as Jack Crawford
  • Stephen Lang as Freddy Lounds
  • Tom Noonan as Francis Dollarhyde
  • David Seaman as Kevin Graham
  • Benjamin Hendrickson as Dr. Chilton
  • Michael Talbott as Geehan
  • Frankie Faison as Lt. Fisk
  • Chris Elliott as Zeller
  • Peter Maloney as Dr. Dominick Princi
  • Kin Shriner as Mr. Sherman

From 1984 to 1989, Michael Mann produced 111 episodes of "Miami Vice," a TV series that became a cultural phenomenon. He then applied those style elements, as the writer and director, to Manhunter (1986), an adaptation of Red Dragon, the 1981 novel by Thomas Harris. Do those same elements of style work in a horror movie? It doesn't hurt that the film is populated with a top-notch cast & crew who create a good-looking, professional production. But what makes Manhunter even more interesting is that it's the first appearance of Hannibal Lecter, the fictional character who goes on to become one of the most famous villains of the last 40 years. The Grue-Crew have fun straying into comparing Manhunter (1986) to Red Dragon (2002), its re-imagining sixteen years later. Hopefully, our fun is your fun!

At the time of this writing, Manhunter (1986) is available to stream from Kanopy, Roku, Criterion Channel, 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 Crystal, is Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986). The sequel to Tobe Hooper's Poltergeist (1982) features many of the same faces (JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Wilson, Heather O'Rourke, Oliver Robins, Zelda Rubinstein) and similar spectral shenanigans. And they even moved to a different house! It's time to check it out!

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'll find you. I don't give up. Sweet dreams, Elizabeth." Somehow, it doesn't seem like Elizabeth's sweet dreams are his goal. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they take in another classy TV movie from the 1970s, John Carpenter's Someone's Watching Me! (1978).

Decades of Horror 1970s Episode 251 – Someone's Watching Me! (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

ANNOUNCEMENT Decades of Horror 1970s 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 woman is being watched in her apartment by a stranger, who also calls and torments her. A cat-and-mouse game begins.

• Writer/Director: John Carpenter
• Composer: Harry Sukman
• Cinematographer: Robert B. Hauser (director of photography) (credited as Robert Hauser)
• Selected Cast:
  • Lauren Hutton as Leigh Michaels
  • David Birney as Paul Winkless
  • Adrienne Barbeau as Sophie
  • Charles Cyphers as Gary Hunt
  • Grainger Hines as Steve
  • Len Lesser as Burly Man
  • John Mahon as Frimsin
  • James Murtaugh as Leone
  • J. Jay Saunders as Police Inspector
  • Michael Laurence as TV Announcer
  • George Skaff as Herbert Stiles
  • Robert Phalen as Wayne
  • Robert Snively as Groves
  • Jean Le Bouvier as Waitress
  • James McAlpine as Slick Man
  • Edgar Justice as Charlie
  • John J. Fox as Eddie (credited as John Fox)

Someone's Watching Me! (1978), a TV-movie written and directed by John Carpenter, is a worthy predecessor to Halloween (1978). Although it aired on NBC one month after the premiere of Halloween, it was filmed immediately before Halloween. The core cast (Lauren Hutton, Adrienne Barbeau, David Birney), Carpenter's script and direction, and the cinematography of Robert D. Hauser make Someone's Watching Me! a film to seek out. It's an obvious proving ground for many of the attributes we've come to expect from a Carpenter film, many of which he uses in Halloween. If you haven't seen it, the Grue Crew gives it a hearty recommendation.

At the time of this writing, Someone's Watching Me! (1978) is available to stream from Tubi, as well as several PPV options. The film is also available on physical media as a Blu-ray formatted disc from SHOUT! FACTORY.

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 '70s episode, chosen by Doc, will be The Dead of Night (1977), a TV-movie anthology written by Richard Matheson, directed by Dan Curtis, and featuring Ed Begley Jr., Patrick Macnee, Anjanette Comer, Elisha Cook Jr., Horst Buchholz, Lee Montgomery, and Joan Hackett. Shades of Trilogy of Terror!

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].

"We've had enough excitement and swashbuckling for one day. Any swash I ever had just came unbuckled." Please, sir. Buckle your swash. Join this episode's Grue-Crew – Doc Rotten, Daphne Monary-Ernsdorff, Chad Hunt, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they embark on a very red expedition to The Angry Red Planet (1959).

Decades of Horror: The Classic Era Episode 213 – The Angry Red Planet (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: One of only two survivors from a Martian expedition is so traumatized she doesn't remember the circumstances of the trip. (It's all so red.)

• Director: Ib Melchior
• Writers: Ib Melchior and Sidney W. Pink (screenplay by) (as Sid Pink); Sidney W. Pink (original story by) (as Sid Pink)
• Selected Cast:
  • Gerald Mohr as Col. Thomas O'Bannion
  • Nora Hayden as Dr. Iris 'Irish' Ryan
  • Les Tremayne as Prof. Theodore Gettell
  • Jack Kruschen as CWO Sam Jacobs
  • Paul Hahn as Maj. Gen. George Treegar
  • J. Edward McKinley as Prof. Paul Weiner
  • Tom Daly as Dr. Frank Gordon
  • Don Lamond as TV Newscaster/Special Narrator/Martian (voice)
  • Edward Innes as Brig. Gen. Alan Prescott
  • Gordon Barnes as Maj. Lyman Ross
  • Jack Haddock as Lt. Col. Davis
  • Brandy Bryan as Nurse Hayes
  • Joan Patrick as Nurse Dixon (credited as Joan Fitzpatrick)
  • Duke Norton as Dr. Muller
  • William Remick as Dr. Hawley (credited as Wm. Remick)
  • Fred Ross as Air Force News Photographer
  • David De Haven as Air Force News Photographer (credited as David DeHaven)
  • Arline Hunter as Joan
  • Alean 'Bambi' Hamilton as Joan's Friend (credited as Aleane Hamilton)
  • Richard Baxter as 1st Monitor (uncredited)
  • Ralph Brooks as Security Man at Briefing (uncredited)
  • Ted Cassidy as Martian (voice) (uncredited)
  • Billy Curtis as Martian (uncredited)
  • Alan Prescott as Brigadier General (uncredited)
  • Billy Snyder (uncredited)

Is The Angry Red Planet (1959) one of those classic 1950s science fiction, creature feature films? If by "classic," you mean there are no others like it, the answer is yes. If you mean, however, one of the best of the 1950s, the answer is a resounding no. The CINEMAGIC process, with so much red, is cool fun while simultaneously masking cheap sets. The Grue-Crew appreciates the story by Sidney Pink and Ib Melchior, but the dialogue is laughable and, at times, the acting fits the descriptor. To its credit, the movie does feature genuinely creepy Martian wildlife. Who doesn't love a bat-rat-spider-crab or a giant amoeba? This is a fun watch just for the CINEMAGIC effect, and if you're a fan of bad dialogue, you should double down on The Angry Red Planet!

At the time of this writing, The Angry Red Planet (1961) is available to stream from Classic Horror Movie Channel, Classic Sci-Fi Movie Channel, Hoopla, Tubi, Roku, Prime, and many others.

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 Doc – is The Ghost Breakers (1940). This classic horror-comedy features Bob Hope, Willie Best, Paulette Goddard, Richard Carlson, Paul Lukas, Noble Johnson, Anthony Quinn, and Lloyd Corrigan. It's time for a good laugh!

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 website, 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!"

"You've seen them, haven't you? You don't have the eyes of the hunter. You have the eyes of the dead." Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Join your faithful Grue Crew – Crystal Cleveland, Bill Mulligan, and Jeff Mohr – as they discuss the underappreciated film, Wolfen (1981).

Decades of Horror 1980s Episode 294 – Wolfen (1981)

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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 New York cop investigates a series of brutal deaths that resemble animal attacks.

• Director: Michael Wadleigh; John D. Hancock (post-production, additional shooting)
• Writers: David Eyre and Michael Wadleigh (screenplay by); Whitley Strieber (based on the novel by); Eric Roth (screenplay) (uncredited)
• Composer: James Horner
• Cinematographer: Gerry Fisher
• Selected Cast:
  • Albert Finney as Dewey Wilson
  • Diane Venora as Rebecca Neff
  • Edward James Olmos as Eddie Holt
  • Gregory Hines as Whittington
  • Tom Noonan as Ferguson
  • Dick O'Neill as Warren
  • Dehl Berti as Old Indian
  • Peter Michael Goetz as Ross
  • Sam Gray as Mayor
  • Ralph Bell as Commissioner
  • Max M. Brown as Christopher van der Veer
  • Anne Marie Pohtamo as Pauline van der Veer
  • Sarah Felder as Cicely Rensselaer
  • Reginald VelJohnson as Morgue Attendant (credited as Reginald Vel Johnson)
  • James Tolkan as Baldy
  • John McCurry as Sayad Alve

Wolfen (1981) is that other wolf-related movie released in 1981. This troubled production is based on Whitley Strieber's 1978 novel of the same title and features Albert Finney, Diane Venora, Edward James Olmos, Gregory Hines, Tom Noonan, and some interesting visual and practical effects. The Grue-Crew are impressed with the cinematography and the ending, but the whole "wolfvision" thing, impressive at the time, looks a bit dated. But the wolves! The wolves are magnificently filmed! Jeff still loves Wolfen, but Bill and Crystal feel the film has suffered a bit with age. Either way, there is much to discuss… and to wonder about.

At the time of this writing, Wolfen (1981) is available to stream from Tubi, and multiple PPV sources. It is available on physical media as a Blu-ray formatted disc from the Warner Archive Collection.

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, is Manhunter (1986), based on the novel Red Dragon (1981) by Thomas Harris. The film is directed by Michael Mann and features William Petersen, Kim Greist, Joan Allen, Brian Cox, Stephen Lang, and Tom Noonan. Oh, boy! Here we go! Get ready to meet the first Hannibal Lecter.

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].

"Remember what I've always told you: The wages of sin is gonorrhea, syphilis, and death." – Ma Cobb, Deranged. It's hard to argue with that. Join your faithful Grue Crew – Doc Rotten, Bill Mulligan, Chad Hunt, and Jeff Mohr – as they have a bit of fun creating their own top 10s from this wondrous, groovy, gory, and influential decade.

Decades of Horror 1970s Episode 250 – Grue Crew Favorites by Year (1970-1979)

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 1970s 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/

Back in 2013, Doc Rotten and The Black Saint (Santos Ellin Jr) recorded two podcast episodes documenting their favorite 70s horror films, one each for every year of this wondrous, groovy, gory, and influential decade. Those two episodes, covering 1970-1974 and 1975-1979, are the inspiration for what became the Decades of Horror 1970s Podcast, and, with added video flourishes, were reissued as episodes 160 and 161 in April 2022. Santos left us in September 2017, but the 70s Grue-Crew carried on as best they could.

They are now at episode 250 of this inspired experiment, and the current Crew decided to mark the milestone with a similar but new list: one "favorite" film from each year of the decade from each host, this time packed into one very long episode. Remember, these are the Crew's "favorites," not what they think are the best, most popular, or biggest box office movies. In fact, a handful of movies were excluded. They also agreed not to duplicate any of their fellow hosts' picks. This episode lists 40 films from the 1970s that the 70s Grue-Crew hold near and dear to their hearts. They hope you have as much fun listening to or watching this episode as they had recording it. Here are their picks:

Year Chad Jeff Bill Doc 1970 Equinox The Vampire Doll Horror of the Blood Monsters Beneath the Planet of the Apes 1971 A Bay of Blood Let's Scare Jessica to Death The Abominable Dr. Phibes Godzilla vs. Hedorah 1972 The Night Stalker Night of the Lepus Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things Horror Express 1973 The Crazies Lady Snowblood The Wicker Man The Legend of Hell House 1974 Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter Deranged Lisa and the Devil Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell 1975 Trilogy of Terror Bug Deep Red The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1976 Carrie Who Can Kill a Child? The Omen Grizzly 1977 The Incredible Melting Man Hausu Suspiria Shock Waves 1978 Invasion of the Body Snatchers Someone's Watching Me Dawn of the Dead Magic 1979 Phantasm Zombie Mad Max The Amityville Horror

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 '70s episode, chosen by Jeff, will be Someone's Watching Me! (1978), a TV-movie written and directed by John Carpenter, filmed right before and released right after Halloween (1978). Lauren Hutton, Adrienne Barbeau, David Birney, and Charles Cyphers lead the cast.

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].