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Reviews
Earth vs the Spider (1958)
One of my favorite "Bug" films
OK , I know this one is really pretty corny, however I've always had a soft spot in my heart for it. I remember 1'st seeing this on late nite TV , back in the 60's , what always stuck in my memory was the giant spider web in the caverns , seemed like it made this one different from other Giant Spider films Id seen. Nowadays I've collected probably every "mutant Atomic insect" film thats ever been made , this is still one my personal favorites. I think one of the appealing things about this movie is the teenagers & hot rods , although some of the kids look like they're easily in their late 20's . This is probably one of Bert I. Gordons best special effex efforts , with only minimal spots in the film of noticeable errors in the film overlap. Gene Roth is also really great as the non-caring Sheriff , who gives the impression , he would rather just shoot the kids , than go to the trouble of killing the spider. We have American International to thank for this gem. Another one of many , many great zzz grade Horror & Sci-Fi's they cranked out thru the 50's ... Hey It ain't "Them" .. But it's still worth a look. recommended By this Monsterlover.
The Brute Man (1946)
Not The Worst You Could Watch
After reading many of the other reviews for this film , I just thought I would try to say a couple of positive things about it. For one if you,re a Universal Horror film completist like myself , it's a "must have" I realize the production values are somewhat low for Universal standards , thats why they released it as a "PRC" film , but hey! they were glad to get it. Secondly , It's actually a "prequal" to the film House Of Horrors , which is really a lot better film overall , and moves at the brisker pace you'd expect a Universal Horror flick to travel at. Third , It's got Rondo. Truly an unusual character to build a film around. He is now now a minor cult icon , and the inspiration of the Rondo Awards , that honor many different aspects of Horror & Sci-fi , by allowing us to vote online..All & All , I gave this one a 5 out of 10 mainly based on my great love of the classic Universal Horror films. Take a second look some evening , watch it with House Of Horrors. It's not all that bad.
Monster on the Campus (1958)
Another winner from Universal
Although this is not as well known a film as say , Creature From The Black Lagoon or It Came From Outer Space , it still qualifies as a neat 50's Sci-Fi entry in my book. The story is kind of the Jekyll & Hyde rehash , but its fairly well told. Arthur Franz turns out a solid job as the unfortunate professor Blake , also in the cast are a lot other familiar faces including Phil Harvey , Joanna Moore ,Whit Bissell , and an early on performance for Troy Donohue who later starred in My Blood Runs Cold , another great little chiller...all & all , I could enjoy this flick on most any dark night or rainy day. It's got all the elements of the Universal Sci-Fi's. The story line was a little weaker than some but Jack Arnold , as usual , did a fine job of directing , which makes it another enjoyable effort. POSSIBLE SPOILER!! The scene early on in the film where the creature attacks the young female assistant "who has designs on prof. Blake" is particularly creepy when she is found hanging from a tree limb.. 8/10 in quality by this Monsterlover.
Curse of the Undead (1959)
an excellent blend of two genres
As I sit here, I'm watching this film, Which I recorded off of AMC a few years back. I remember how big western TV series were back in the late 50's "although I was'nt born until 1958" so I saw most in re-runs. This film I feel played well off the popularity of that TV genre. Eric "Gil Favor" Fleming plays well as the Preacher Who goes after the bloodthirsty Vampire, portrayed By Michael Pate...The story seems a lot like any other western, with the exception of the head gunslinger also being the "Undead". As usual Universal Produced a nice little Horror? flick, With a solid cast for "B" fare. I would recommend this for all "Hardcore" horror fans of the 50's genre. As a side note I also remember a couple of episodes Of Rawhide that dealt with Ghost's & the supernatural... makes me wonder if the producers of those episodes had'nt recently viewed "Curse Of The Undead"
The Monolith Monsters (1957)
Unusual Plot makes for a very good Sci-Fi entry
I've had this film in my collection for many years now. After a recent viewing, I felt it deserved some words of praise. Definitely not just another "Alien Invader" Film this one takes more of a realistic, Scientific approach to the telling of the story..large chunks is a silicon meteorite strike in the desert area of San Angelo Calif. They are first found by a local geologist, where when a sample is taken back to the office, It is accidentally exposed to water, during a storm that occurs in the evening. What happens next is that people start getting the elements needed to expand the rocky life form, extracted from their body's..This happens to many people as the strange formations inch their way thru the mountains towards the small desert community...I wont divulge the surprise ending of the film. I will just conclude by saying , If your a fan of 50's Sci-Fi this film is really a MUST HAVE for your collection.. Highly recommended by this Monsterlover.
The Black Cat (1941)
typical old house mystery thats a cut above average
I've always enjoyed this film, Even more so than the 1934 version that universal put out. Of course the two can hardly even be compared,when one looks at the plot lines. The latter film is more to my preferred taste in horror films. I really like the cast in this one as well. How can you go wrong with Bela Lugosi, Gale Sondergaard, Basil Rathbone, Then of course you've got Hugh Herbert, Broderick Crawford, & Even a young Alan Ladd thrown in the mix as well...I easily give this gem a 9 out of 10....plenty of fun. Also in the same vein as this film I would recommend "Murder By Invitation" not really as good, but still a lot of fun as well. Bottom line though, nobody does em like Universal.