Return of the Monster . . . Bash!

This last weekend, we made our return to the Monster Bash Conference in Mars, PA. It was their first convention since 2 years ago and we were thrilled to be back. We started attending this show back in 2015 and quickly fell in love with it. This really is like no other show that we attend. Not that we don’t have fun at the others, but the Bash is so much different. From the free cake on Saturday night, the insanity of the prize toss, to all the films they screen over the 3 days of the event, it really is a true classic horror film fan’s dream.

It seems that conventions are getting more attended by more of the casual fan than really true die-hard fans. They are there to get some over-priced autographs, maybe a new Halloween t-shirt, and that’s about it. 20 years ago (yeah, I know. Old Man Kitley ranting again!), just about every fan that came through the door were avid fans, anxiously waiting to pounce on the dealers room to find some new treasures to add to their ever-growing collection of movie memorabilia. They were always searching out new films, or old ones that they hadn’t seen before. And the guests at these shows were there to meet and greet their fans, not customers. They were just thrilled you knew who they were as well as being truly grateful that you enjoyed their work. But it seems those types of conventions are disappearing.

Mystery Photo 10-25

Once again, running a little late today. But since we spent most of last night driving home from the Monster Bash Conference, we had a little resting to catch up on! Our photo from last week only got one correct answer and that was from William Wilson. The film was Retribution (1987). So Kudos to Will!

Our photo from this week might be a little easier, especially if you’re fans of the older black and white films. And yes, no trickery this time out, it is an actually black and white film! So take a peek and see what you can come up with. Just remember to send your guess by email at jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck.

New Episode of Discover the Horror Podcast

More Hammer Figures from Mego

Just when I was content with not getting into collecting a lot of these horror action figures or collectible figures, I hear about some of these Hammer figures that Mego is now putting out. These are all 8″ figures that pre-orders are being taken now. The two they announced last week were for The Gorgon and The Mummy. Which, while they were not bad looking and only priced at $20 each, it didn’t make me change my mind on having to collect them.

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Mystery Photo 10-18

I guess not too many people picked up on my little hint for the last photo. I mentioned that things aren’t always as black and white as they seem. The shot was from a film shown during a film. The movie is Gary Sherman’s 1981 film Dead & Buried, and shot I used was from a film that Jack Albertson is showing James Farentino. But kudos to Maureen Connelly and Kevin Hart for sending in the correct answer! Well done!

So with this week’s photo, I won’t lay any word tricks or puns in here, just the photo. Just remember to send your guess to us at jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

Movie Review: Mr. Sardonicus

(1961)
Directed by William Castle
Starring Guy Rolfe, Ronald Lewis, Oscar Homolka, Audrey Dalton, Vladimir Sokoloff, Erika Peters.

The groundbreaking doctor Sir Robert, specializing in muscle maladies, receives a strange message from an old love, asking him to come to her home in a distant land for some dire help. Once he arrives there, he meets the husband of his long-lost love, the Baron Sardonicus. Sardonicus had acquired his wife after paying off the gambling debt of her father. But the strange part of Sardonicus is that his face is hidden behind a mask. He tells his story of how he acquired his wealth, and the terrible secret he is hiding behind the mask. He blackmails Sir Robert into curing his affliction or his wife will come to great harm.

Monster Bash Next Weekend!!!

Next weekend, we’re heading back to Mars, PA for the return of the Monster Bash Conference, taking place on October 22^nd to the 24^th! It has been two years since their last show, and we are so excited to be making our own return. We always have so much fun there and are looking to do it all over once again. Since this is our last show of the year, so we want to make it one mother of a show!

They have an incredible guest list slated for this show, one that I’m especially excited about. That would be Victoria Vetri, who happened to star in Hammer’s When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth (1970), which means I can add one more autograph to my Hammer Filmography book. This will be the 17^th signature from people that worked with the famous Studio that Dripped Blood. As you can imagine, this book is a very prized title in my library, especially since quite a few that have signed it has passed away since then.

Little Shoppe of Horrors Salutes The Gorgon

The latest issue of the long running (and best magazine devoted to all things Hammer) is now out and available to order. This issue tackles Hammer’s 1964 film The Gorgon, starring Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and Barbara Shelley, with the article Reflections of Fear: The Making of The Gorgon by Joshua Kennedy.

Within the pages, you’ll also find the article Cut Me a Robe from Toe to Lobe … Give Me a Skin for Dancing In: The Making of The Witches by Bruce G. Hallenbeck, as well as an article on the star of that film, Joan Fontaine. There is also an article on Don Houghton, the screenwriter of the modern day Dracula films Hammer made in the early to mid ’70s, by David Gee.

Like with any issue of Little Shoppe of Horrors, every page is a delight and filled with great stuff. Head over to their website HERE to order your copy now. And if you want to know more about Hammer, just pick up some of their back issues that are readily available.

Mystery Photo 10-11

As we get another day closer to Halloween, I hope everyone is taking advantage of the season to watch some of your favorite Halloween movies, as well as taking chances on some newer titles. Since we all know that to us die-hard fans, every day is Halloween. At least this time of year, we seem a bit more normal. So to maybe give you some ideas for a movie to watch, here’s this week’s Mystery Photo. But first, let us review last week. I know it was an easier one, but still a good one. It was from Interview with the Vampire (1994). Can you believe that was almost 20 years ago?!?! Congrats to the following for sending in the correct answer: Vero A, Gregory Avery, Peggy Christie, Chris Dyer, Kevin Hart, Lee Marohn, Bryan Martinez, Lee Nattrass, Tim Palace, Bryan Senn. Well done!

Now this week’s photo is a little deceiving, so might want to pay close attention. Some times things aren’t as black and white as they seem. Give a look and send your guess to us in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

What’s YOUR Halloween Season Favorite?

I know as horror fans we watch these films all year round. But there is something about October that we seem not only double our efforts when it comes to scary screenings, but I know there are a few titles that we all have that we bust out each and ever October. Could be a childhood favorite? One that really hit home with us around holiday? Or one that just fits the mood of Halloween and is something you need to watch at least once a year.