Scream Scene Podcast

The question of "is this supernatural?" has never been more textual in Val Lewton's horror movies than in 1944's THE CURSE OF THE CAT PEOPLE from directors Gunther von Fritsch and Robert Wise. But where on the genre spectrum of children's fantasy to horror does this film lie?

Starring Ann Carter, Simone Simon, Kent Smith and Jane Randolph, with horror classic Elizabeth Russell, RKO regular Sir Lancelot, and fallen star Julia Dean.

Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 25:37; Discussion 35:34; Ranking 1:09:22

Three horror stars in one picture! Your deadicated hosts review VOODOO MAN (1944) from William "One-Shot" Beaudine, starring Bela Lugosi, George Zucco, and John Carradine.

Thrills, chills and meta jokes fill this Monogram picture to the brim.

Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 15:48; Discussion 25:41; Ranking 41:38

We travel back to 1937 Shanghai for China's first entry into the horror genre: Yèbàn gēshēng aka Song at Midnight from director Ma-Xu Weibang.

It's a loose but very interesting adaptation of Phantom of the Opera starring Jin Shan, Hu Ping and Shi Chao; a film with a Universal horror aesthetic in a Chinese cultural context!

Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 34:27; Discussion 49:15; Ranking 1:03:11

After receiving an appeal of our ranking of 1933's THE GHOUL, we reconsider the film's place on our list. Will Karloff's return to Britain keep its position? Listen to find out!

Listen to the original episode on THE GHOUL here: https://soundcloud.com/screamscenepodcast/rated-h-for-horror

Dear listener, you are cordially invited to Scream Scene's review of 1944's THE UNINVITED from studio Paramount Pictures and director Lewis Allen!

The first US film to portray legitimate ghosts, spooks and scares await you, along with film stars Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey, Donald Crisp, Gail Russell.

Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 33:11; Discussion 48:03; Ranking 1:17:55

No rest for the wicked or for Val Lewton as we watch 1943's THE GHOST SHIP from director Mark Robson.

How does Lewton balance good story with RKO's demands? Easy, he relies on the fantastic acting of Richard Dix and supporting cast Russell Wade, Edith Barrett and Skelton Knaggs.

Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 17:56; Discussion 35:37; Ranking 57:41

A hidden gem? Or a film better lost to time?

This week your deadicated hosts watch THE MAD GHOUL (1943, Hogan) starring George Zucco, David Bruce, Robert Armstrong, Evelyn Ankers, and Turhan Bey.

Context Setting 00:00; Synopsis 8:36; Discussion 27:56; Ranking 39:08

Think Dracula got his comeuppance in 1931? Think again -- he's strikes again in Columbia's THE RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE (1943) from director Lew Landers.

Bela Lugosi, Frieda Inescort and Matt Willis star in this tale of vampires stalking London in WW2!

Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 12:02; Discussion 34:22; Ranking 54:18

Chaney! Ankers! Siodmak! The third instalment of Universal's Dracula trilogy arrives with SON OF DRACULA (1943) from Robert Siodmak!

It's spooky and foggy, and how could it go wrong with a moustachioed vampire? It's not the *best* vampire flick, but it's a diamond in the Southern Gothic rough.

Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 28:53; Discussion 44:03; Ranking 1:16:37

We encounter Val Lewton's fourth horror flick from RKO and first with new director Mark Robson: it's THE SEVENTH VICTIM (1943) starring Tom Conway, Jean Brooks, Kim Hunter, and Hugh Beaumont!

Devil worshippers, suicide, and lesbian undertones are all awaiting you in this week's episode...

Context setting 00:00; Synopsis 28:33; Discussion 49:57; Ranking 1:28:55