A GHOST STORY FOR CHRISTMAS (1968, 1973, 1976) – Episode 231 – Decades of Horror 1970s
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
Release Date: 01/01/2025
THREADS (1984) - Episode 322 - Decades of Horror 1980s
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
The Grue-Crew tackle THREADS (1984), a British-Australian apocalyptic television film directed by Mick Jackson, written by Barry Hines, and produced by the BBC. This may be more depressing and devastating film you may ever see. Instead or Morlocks and Giant Ants, the film simply goes for the grim reality of a nuclear war with a cautionary tale. Have things changed in the past 40 years? Bill even considers it superior to the similarly themed US Made for TV disaster film, Th Day After. The Grue provide the usual and expected terrific discussion about this gripping take on humanity's unescapable...
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MURDER BY DEATH (1976) - Episode 279 - Decades of Horror 1970s
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
Doc takes the Grue-Believers on a slight detour with his pick this week, MURDER BY DEATH (1976). The films spoofs various detective movies and literary characters along with "old dark house" chillers. Yeah, it's a comedy... from Neil Simon, no less. Regardless, the cast is astounding, featuring Eileen Brennan, Truman Capote, James Coco, Peter Falk, Alec Guinness, Elsa Lanchester, David Niven, Peter Sellers, Maggie Smith, Nancy Walker, James Cromwell, Richard Narita, and Estelle Winwood, along with Fay Wray (vocals) as the Screaming Door Bell. Sure, the comedy is outdated, the laughs are more...
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FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN (1943) - Episode 240 - Decades of Horror: The Classic Era
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
When it comes to classic Universal horror movies, FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN (1943) often comes up as the film that made Monster Kids into the horror fans they are. C'mon, two classic monsters locked in battle, the Frankenstein Monster and the Wolf Man, and the film serves as a sequel to two different films: The Ghost of Frankenstein (1942) and, of course, The Wolf Man (1941). Lon Chaney, Jr. reprises his role as the cursed Lawrence Talbot with Bela Lugosi stepping into the Frankenstein Monster's shoes - ironically, taking over the role from Chaney in Ghost who had taken the role over...
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SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION (1989) - Episode 321 - Decades of Horror 1980s
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
This episode’s Grue Crew (Crystal, Bill, Gregory, & Jeff) takes on Tobe Hooper’s SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION (1989), a film Crystal chose, and they’re glad they did! The Crew enjoys this film much more than they expected to and think, in general, Mr. Hooper gets a bad rap. The same goes for Brad Dourif’s usual excellent performance (with explanation). Throw in beaucoup fire effects, multiple crispy critters, some nuclear-science shenanigans, and studio interference, and we have so much to discuss. SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION (1989) Episode 321 - Decades of Horror 1980s Quote: "It would take...
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THE DEVIL'S WEDDING NIGHT (1973) - Episode 278 - Decades of Horror 1970s
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
Grue-Believers, Gregory invites the Grue-Crew to THE DEVIL'S WEDDING NIGHT (1973). In this Italian Gothic horror, Mark Damon plays twin brothers, Karl and Franz and they're both after The Ring of the Nibelungen discovered in Transylvania at -- yup, you guessed it --- Castle Dracula. And where you have any "Dracula," you have... VAMPIRES! This film turns out to be quite the discovery. It's beautifully shot, well scripted, and full of fangs and female anatomy. The Grue-Crew have a blast discussing this Euro Gothic forgotten masterpiece. Check it out and enjoy! THE DEVIL'S WEDDING NIGHT (1973)...
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SANTO VS. THE VAMPIRE WOMEN (1962, SANTO VS. LAS MUJERES VAMPIRO) – Episode 239 – Decades of Horror: The Classic Era
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
Mexican wrestling, vampires, and the iconic , El Enmascarado de Plata, are the topic for this episode. Jeff has selected , just one of the 50+ Santo movies. While this series may be a niche within a niche, this film is campy fun with excellent cinematography and a whole coven of vampires for Santo to battle. Seriously, it is a blast. And, if you have never experienced a Santo movie SANTO VS THE VAMPIRE WOMEN is the perfect entry point into the iconic legend of Santo and the three decades of films in which he appeared. Give it a shot, you will be entertained. SANTO VS. THE VAMPIRE WOMEN (1962,...
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STAGEFRIGHT (1987) – Episode 320 – Decades of Horror 1980s
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
he Grue-Crew steps into the theater for STAGEFRIGHT (1987, Deliria), directed by Michele Soavi (The Church, The Sect, Cemetery Man). Part Friday the 13th, part Argento Giallo, all Slasher, Stagefright features an escaped madman donning the Owl Man costume from a stage play to slash and slay the entire cast and crew. What fun! The cinematography looks amazing, the gore is brilliantly executed, and the cast is better than anticipated. The Grue-Crew discuss the cast, the first-time director’s path, and the death count. Do not miss this one. STAGEFRIGHT (1987) Episode 320 – Decades of Horror...
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RABID DOGS (1974, CANI ARRABBIATI) - Episode 277 - Decades of Horror 1970s
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
The Grue-Crew (Jeff, Gregory, and Bill) gather to discuss Mario Bava's film RABID DOGS (1974, CANI ARRABBIATI). The movie, filmed under its original title "L'uomo e il bambino", was shelved before it was finished when the financers died leaving it buried under bankruptcy for decades. From there, its strange road to a DVD release and a subsequent reedit by Bava's son Lamberto Bava continued. Bill, being a massive Bava fan, leads Jeff and Gregory to discuss this strange inclusion in a master director's filmography. Enjoy! RABID DOGS (1974, CANI ARRABBIATI) Episode 277 - Decades of Horror 1970s...
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I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN (1957) - Episode 238 - Decades of Horror The Classic Era
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN (1957) is B-Movie gold, perfect for 1950s drive-in nonsense. The Grue-Crew discuss the film's goofy yet gory monster, the mastery of tempered scene chewing that is Whit Bissell, and the extreme lack of teenagers in this teenage monster movie. Is it a good movie? Nah, not really. But that doesn't mean it isn't a brilliantly fun movie of its time. There's plenty to enjoy. And, as Bill noted, somehow when viewing I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN now, it is both better and worse than remembered. Check this review out and enjoy. I WAS A TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN (1957) Episode...
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THE CAT CREATURE (1973) - Episode 276 - Decades of Horror 1970s
Decades of Horror | Horror News Radio
For episode 276, Bill picks the early '70s ABC Movie of the Week, THE CAT CREATURE (1973). The TV Horror Movie is directed by Curtis Harrington and features Meredith Baxter, David Hedison, Gale Sondergaard, John Caradine, Stuart Whitman, Keye Luke, and Kent Smith. Written by Robert Bloch, the plot involves a stolen amulet removed from an Egyptian mummy, a deadly black cat, and 40s horror movie homages. What will the Grue-Crew think of this 1970s supernatural throwback? Ah! Check out the podcast to find out. Enjoy! THE CAT CREATURE (1973) Episode 276 - Decades of Horror 1970s Quote: "One thing...
info_outline“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)
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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:
- “Whistle and I’ll Come to You,” Omnibus S1.E17, M.R. James ( May 7, 1968)
- “Lost Hearts,” A Ghost Story for Christmas, M.R. James (Dec 25, 1973)
- “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].