Halloween Countdown 2015: City of the Dead/Horror Hotel ~ the full movie

Horror Hotel is the title for the American market of the UK's City of the Dead. Here it is in all its glory; the entire film on my Halloween Countdown this year. Perfect for your Friday night.

The late Christopher Lee, Betta St. John and an accomplished British cast portray Bostonians who, largely, happen to have veddy English accents for the most part.

A trim and economical film released in 1960, the first by Amicus Productions, it was made at under 90-minutes with double-bill status in mind. I saw this movie, as a kid, at the US Theater in Paterson, NJ (on a double-bill with Werewolf in a Girls' Dormitory) and still have great affection for it. One of my favorite horror films of all-time.

The sets and characters are especially unforgettable. Mr Lee, of course, but also Patricia Jessel -- who I think bears a strong resemblance to Annie Lennox, Jonathan Dyall as Jethro Keane, Venetia Stevens as the plucky coed Nan Barlow, and Ann Beach as the sad sack mute hotel maid Lottie.

The overriding message to the film, in my estimation, is don't stand up your boyfriend on a date -- or all hell will break loose. You in danger, girl!

Video Beaverhausen: Hammer Films' The Gorgon

At the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, residents of a small village are becoming petrified -- both figuratively and literally! Hammer Films' The Gorgon is indeed an atmospheric horror film (wonder what their smoke machine-and-dry ice budget was), very moody and stylish, and very campy. It will  especially appeal to its gay audience, none of whom would dare style that hair! Why, one would have to cut it blindfolded for one thing (probably chopping off some serpent heads), and I can't imagine what the shampooing/ blow-dry would be like. Back around that time, when my mom gave herself her Toni Home Permanents, the rollers kind of resembled those snakes.

Turning to stone in the 20th Century may be a metaphor this movie wishes to convey. I really believe that high-minded concept may be at work in this film. Stage-trained, Shakespearian actors and Hammer stalwarts Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing and Barbara Shelley are in The Gorgon, giving it gravitas.

As for the creature itself, named Megeara, she is a real mess in a dress. Miss Thing doesn't look the least bit convincing, unfortunately. But that only brings us back to what makes this film a camp classic. Long after shooting this film, Christopher Lee said, "The only thing wrong with The Gorgon was the gorgon!" He praised the film and called it "beautiful looking" but added that, due to budget constraints, the f/x just weren't convincing. "It could have been terrific," Lee said.

Handsomely directed by Terrence Fisher who helmed many Hammer horror classics, including many of the Dracula, Frankenstein and Mummy films. Damn those full moons!

Hammer Films are back with us. Its newest "monster" is The Woman in Black.

The Death of Dracula: RIP, Christopher Lee

At the ripe old age of 93, Christopher Lee has left the castle. Best known for his roles in the Hammer horror film series, he played Frankenstein, the Mummy, but is especially remembered for playing Count Dracula. He is also remembered for his roles in Lord of the Rings, the James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, and The Wicker Man.

I thought he and Lee Grant made a wonderfully horrible married couple in Airport '77. Olivia DeHavilland, Brenda Vaccaro, Joseph Cotton, James Stewart and Jack Lemmon were also in that camp classic. Christopher Lee Grant, I thought, could have made a great recurring couple in dramas. I think they'd even make a great George and Martha in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf!

Lee starred as Dracula nine times, including in the films Horror of Dracula, Dracula: Prince of Darkness, Dracula Has Risen from the Grave and Taste the Blood of Dracula.

A WW II veteran, he also starred in two of my all-time favorite Brit horror films: Horror Hotel (City of the Dead in the UK) and Dr. Terror's House of Horrors. He died of respiratory complications (not a stake through the heart).

Rest in Peace, Christopher Frank Carandini Lee. A multiple award winner, he was an imposing presence at a towering 6'5". Oh, Mr Lee, Mr Lee!

Let This Year's Halloween Countdown Begin, Witches!

Yes! The time has arrived!

So let's kick off with one of Buddy's fave horror films of all time! 1960's City of the Dead (released in the US as Horror Hotel). This is the original British version without the US edits. Going to Whitewood? Then click on the link!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N6fk0GNyNM