[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyHcPCUhQSc?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=500&h=375]

HALLOWEEN MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS: “Straight Jacket” (1964)

This chilling, creepy movie starring the iconic Joan Crawford will amuse you and confuse you. It will disturb you and unnerve you, as you start to realize what Fay Dunaway may have based her portrayal of “Mommie Dearest” on. And, it will relieve you as you entertain the thought that maybe Christina Crawford is actually Joan’s biggest fan after all? Hint-hint…

Low-budget bravado; simple, mellow, campy, fun, tacky movie-treasure! And, all in glorious black & white! Why is that significant? Well, as the lovely Hitchcock beauty, Ava Marie Saint once said in an interview (paraphrased), “Black and white is art. B&w films can be beautiful and are particularly suited to the horror, suspense and thriller genres, because the color’s contrast to reality protects the viewer from getting too carried away, thus acting as a protective shield between fantasy and reality, keeping the viewer nicely relaxed and entertained at the same time.” 

I think it’s safe to lament that the days of the A-grade, sophisticated horror  film generally ended with the end of black and white. In fact, I would venture to say that the late 1950s to 1960s was the only period in film history when the horror genre could be enjoyed by general audiences (with some parental supervision, of course). And, it was also the only period in which the genre could be described as eerily beautiful rather than repulsively grotesque.

Fortunately for us though, those horror gems still exist in various formats for us to enjoy. So, when you get a chance, treat yourself to a viewing of “Straight Jacket”—-you’ll love it!

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nCnps6H6Zs?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=500&h=375]

Anyone remember this show from 2005? I like the Soaps that are either funny or Suspense/Thriller in mood. So, I enjoyed this (even though it scared me!!). It was much akin to a 1970s horror-flick, and kept the viewer hooked. However, the show was cancelled by the Fox network after less than a season though, which is odd, considering the success of shows like Revenge, which lacks the heart of this show and just focuses on the fear and violence aspects.

Odd what people ultimately keep on the air. And, considering the rough time Fox has had over the years (in comparison to the other major networks, I’d say the folks at Fox made a big mistake, thus cancelling a show that may have put the network ahead, if they had only given it at least a full season to prove itself.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)

What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice? (1969)

What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice?was a psycho-good movie from 1969! Glad I watched it today! I hate the gory, blatantly violent horror films of the past 20-25 years (won’t even bother with them). But, by 1960s-70s standards, I’m an occasional fan.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

This is my # 1 favorite scary movie, followed by The Witches of Eastwick and The Poltergeist Trilogy! But, I love this one the most!!

What I don’t understand though, is that so many people have compared this to “Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte” and while I am very close to liking t hat one, I think it is to blatant about the bloody, gory side of things. So, while I almost love it, I can’t quite bring myself to add it to my list of favorites because of that. It somehow repulses me too much. But, not this one!

This one manages to scare me ans keep me guessing w/o making me straight up hate the characters. In fact, I find myself feeling for the both the sisters in this movie. And, I think that’s why I love it——because it gives me all the thrills and chills of horror and suspense, but it also pulls on the heartstrings too—- which is quite a feat for a movie of its genre. Hence, this movie top in its class! Fantastic!

The Poltergeist Trilogy (1980s)

‎The Poltergeist Trilogyare the best scarey movies ever (esp. the first one!)! And, I don’t usually like scarey movies! I’d recommend them to anyone—esp. as a good Halloween flick!