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Classic Science Fiction, Classic Horror, and Guilty Pleasures Videography

Wendy Gunther (Collection Development Department) recommends films in classic science fiction, classic horror, and shares her guilty pleasures. A short list of recommended readings is at the end.

Classic Science Fiction

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
VID 3837

Probably the best sci/fi flick of all time. Klaatu (Michael Rennie of the beautiful voice and angular face) lands his spaceship in the center of Washington D.C. He has come with an ultimatum and the power to back it up. Unless the people of Earth stop their aggressive use of nuclear weapons "this earth of yours will be reduced to a burned out cinder." But Klaatu's the good guy. It's his laser-eyed robot Gort (one of the coolest robots in all sci/fidom) that earthling's need to worry about. The film boasts a wonderful supporting cast including Einstein look alike Sam Jaffee and future Oscar winner Patricia Neal. Also, take note of the spellbinding score by the great film composer Bernard Herrman. Klaatu barada nikto. Directed by Robert Wise (92 min. b/w).

The Thing (From Another World) (1951)
VIDR 46, DVD 2506

Adapted from John W. Campbell Jr.'s short story Who Goes There? "The Thing" is the Mona Lisa of science fiction films---a true masterpiece. Producer Howard Hawks gathered an ensemble cast of radio and stage actors to portray the isolated group of scientists and Air Force personnel who find an extraterrestrial spaceship locked in the Arctic ice. After the frozen pilot is discovered and brought back to the research facility he begins to thaw…and then things really take off. At 6'7", newcomer James Arness (pre-Gunsmoke) plays the blood-thirsty alien to frightening perfection. The fine tuned dialogue, complete with realistic overlaps, adds an air of authenticity. The visuals and soundtrack are compelling. Whether you're watching "The Thing" for the first time or the fiftieth, the experience will be equally rewarding. Directed by Christian Nyby (87 min. b/w).

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
DVD 258

Giant seed pods from outer space! "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," along with the "Thing" and "The Day Earth Stood Still" make up the holy trinity of classic sci/fi films. Based on the novel by author Jack Finney, "Invasion" boasts a standout performance by Kevin McCarthy as Dr. Miles Bennell who returns home from a trip and gets the eerie feeling that all is not well... The movie (often interpreted as an allegorical reference to communism and/or McCarthyism) is filled with memorable moments including McCarthy's chilling pronouncement, "You're next! You're next!" Odd camera angles and a thrilling score by composer Carmen Dragon will leave your nerves on edge. This one is guaranteed to grab you from the opening narration "…At first glance everything looked the same. It wasn't. Something evil had taken possession of the town…" Directed by Don Siegel (80 min. b/w).

Them! (1954)
VID 7748

My all time favorite big bug movie. Yes, there are better looking creepie crawlies lurking in the radiation obsessed fifties-"Tarantula" and "The Black Scorpion" come to mind-- but there are also a lot worse-like the blazing-eyed overgrown caterpillar in "The Monster that Challenged the World". It doesn't matter. This movie has everything else. First rate acting from Edmund Gwen as the crusty old entomologist, James Arness as the handsome G-Man and James Whitmore as the sacrificial State Trooper. Together, along with Gwen's white-gloved scientist daughter, they set out to neutralize the atomically mutated gigantic ants and keep the world from turning into a big picnic basket. One of the film's best moments is when the little girl, who had been found wandering catatonic in the desert, sniffs a vial of formic acid, flutters her eyelids, and shrieks out "Them!! Them!!" It gives me goose bumps every time. Directed by Gordon Douglas ( 94 min. b/w).

Forbidden Planet (1956)
DVD 210

This film has been compared to Shakespeare's The Tempest. Don't let that scare you away. What should scare you is the film's great special effects creature, the Monster from the Id. At least it scared the pants off me when I first saw it, long before I'd heard of Freud or had the faintest idea that the id was anything other than a gigantic sloth/Tasmanian Devil/ wolverine/monster. The story concerns the last remaining survivors of a research expedition (scientist Walter Pidgeon and his young nubile daughter Anne Francis) who have been stranded for years on a remote planet once populated by an extinct race called the Krell. A ship from earth, commanded by a very youthful Leslie Nielson arrives at last to take them home. Then all hell breaks loose. Accompanying the futuristic visuals is a wonderfully eerie electronic score and, last but not least, the film debut of Robbie the Robot. Directed by Fred Wilcox (98 min. color).

The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957)
(Not yet released)

Amazing! Colossal! Incredible! Many science fiction movies from the fabulous fifties began their titles with these eye-grabbing superlatives. "The Incredible Shrinking Man" delivers. Scott Carey (Grant Williams), Mr. Average Eisenhower-era American, is exposed to a strange mist that causes him to--you guessed it, start shrinking. The size reduction takes place over a long period of time, long enough for the viewer to care about the character and share his frustration and horror as he gets smaller and smaller and smaller. After he has reduced to the size of a mouse Carey is chased into the basement by the family cat and then the real fun begins. What would an atomic radiation movie be without a giant spider and this flick has one of the best. Carey's battle to find food, rid himself of the stalking monster and discover his place in the cosmos makes for an exceptionally fine film. Definitely, not to be missed. Directed by Jack Arnold (81 min. b/w).

I Married a Monster From Outer Space (1958)
(On order)

Don't be put off by the unfortunate title. This movie was meant to be serious stuff. What if the man snoring next to you wasn't really your husband but one of a number of aliens who landed on earth and took the appearance and identities of various human males in order to mate with earth women and restock their dying race? "I Married a Monster", starring Tom Tryon (who saw the title, tried to get out of his contract but in the end gave the role everything he had) offers a thought provoking look at the cold war fifties when you could never be truly certain who was really who. The monster make-up is scary, the special effects satisfying. Tryon, nominated for an Oscar in 1964 for his starring role in "The Cardinal," eventually left acting altogether to become a successful writer of horror fiction. Directed by Gene Fowler Jr. (78 min. b/w).

The War of the Worlds (1953)
DVD 553

This fine adaptation of H.G. Well's Martian invasion classic features stunning Technicolor special effects (lots of pulsating reds and greens), out of this world sound blasts, state of the art flying saucers and alien creatures that only a mother Martian could love. Gene Barry is the handsomely heroic scientist trying to save the world from destruction while Ann Robinson does a credible job as his love interest although I must say that when she screams (and she screams often) there is something in the pitch that sets my teeth on edge and has me reaching for the mute button. Fortunately, the soothing tones of Sir Cedric Hardwicke's commentary more than makes up for this single flaw. Directed by Byron Haskin (85 min. color).

Invaders From Mars (1953)
DVD 2074

Okay, so this has neither the acting nor technical credentials of "War of the Worlds." And yes, if you look close enough you can see zippers running down the backs of the Martian Mutants (pronounced Mew-Tants). But there are a number or reasons to watch this sci/fi classic. In addition to the unearthly musical score, the multi-tentacled Martian leader is one of the best (and creepiest) aliens I've ever seen. The theme of the story is that nagging childhood fear that supposes your parents aren't really your parents. And how come there are pieces of metal sticking out of the backs of everybody's necks? This film takes fifties paranoia to the limit and has a pretty good time doing it. If you remember and enjoyed Saturday matinees at the Rialto then this is definitely one to see. Directed by William Menzies (78 min. color).

It Came From Beneath the Sea (1955)
DVD 2073

"Out of primordial depths of the Pacific it comes to destroy the world of man!" No list of classic sci/fi films would be complete without a representative of stop-motion special effects wizard Ray Harryhausen. I almost chose "Earth vs. the Flying Saucers" but settled on "It came From Beneath the Sea" since this list contains several flying saucer movies but not a single one about a 6-armed giant octopus. Without the aquatic beast, the film is somewhat plodding (the dull moments give ample opportunity to note how women accessorized in those days-hats, gloves, pearls, handbags) but when it does show up, what fun. Try not to get too scared as the giant cephalopod pulls itself out of the water and onto the Golden Gate Bridge snatching at hapless humans either too slow or too dumb to get out of the way. Directed by Robert Gordon (80 min. b/w).

Classic Horror

The Wolf Man (1941)
DVD 555

After returning to his ancestral home, Lawrence Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr.) is bitten by gypsy turned werewolf Bela (a small but memorable part played by horror legend Bela Lugosi). At the next full moon Talbot transforms into a werewolf himself fulfilling the ancient prophecy: "Even a man who is pure at heart and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolf bane blooms and the moon is full and bright." "The Wolf Man" has always been my favorite Universal Pictures movie monster, a scary yet tragic figure. All credit is given to Lon Chaney Jr's sensitive portrayal of the man turned reluctant beast. The cinematography, especially in the gypsy's camp, is wonderfully moody with lots of dark stunted trees and rolling fog. The exceptional supporting cast includes Claude Rains, Ralph Bellamy, Evelyn Ankers and Maria Ouspenskaya in a standout performance as Bela's wizened mother Maleva. Directed by George Waggner (70 min. b/w).

Dracula (1931)
VID 6700

"Listen to them the children of the night. What music they make." "The Wolf Man" may be my favorite Universal creature but from the moment I saw those black, piercing eyes and heard that incomparable Hungarian accent Bela Lugosi became and remains my favorite star in the Universal firmament. "Dracula" has its detractors and yes, much of the acting is stagy but Lugosi as the undead Count is never anything less than mesmerizing. Besides Bela, there is the over the top performance of beloved character actor Dwight Frye as the mad Renfield. Helen Chandler is tolerable as Mina, David Manners, well, the less said about him the better. The Transylvanian sets are suitably creepy filled with howling wolves, craggy mountains, an eerie castle and frightened villagers. If you appreciate "Dracula," try to catch other Tod Browning films, in particular "The Unholy Three" (1925) with Lon Chaney Sr. and the cult classic "Freaks" (1932) VID 4252. Directed by Tod Browning (75 min. b/w).

The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
DVD 33

While James Whale's "Frankenstein" DVD 915 is indeed a classic (thanks to Boris Karloff's portrayal of an all too human monster), in the interest of space I will omit it from this list in favor of "The Bride of Frankenstein," the undoubtedly superior film. "Bride of Frankenstein" picks up where its predecessor left off. Colin Clive returns as the haunted Dr Frankenstein who decides, at the urging of prissy Dr Praetorious (excellently rendered by veteran character actor Ernest Thesiger) that the monster (Karloff), who is still very much alive, needs a mate. Elsa Lanchester, plays both Mary Shelley and the newly created bride. Lanchester's screen time is minimal but her performance is anything but! My favorite scene: Dr Praetorius and the monster, dining in an underground crypt complete with wine and candles. Of course there is the scene with the hermit…and then…forget it, I love them all. Directed by James Whale (75 min. b/w).

The Haunting (1963)
VID 7749, DVD 2473

Adapted from Shirley Jackson's novel The Haunting of Hill House, this film is as highly acclaimed for what it doesn't show as for what it does. Director Robert Wise, (who would later do more mainstream flicks such as "West Side Story") raised the bar for horror films and set standards few filmmakers have been able to achieve. The story concerns a psychiatrist who, in order to prove the existence of ghosts, brings a small group of psychic misfits to a notoriously haunted house. The problem is, the house is not just haunted, it is evil and hungry for a fresh soul. Moans, chains, flitting shadow, doors bending against an unseen malevolent force, it's all here. And what you can't see can hurt you. The recent remake of this movie doesn't begin to come close to the original. Julie Harris, always excellent, shines as the lost Eleanor. This is a great movie to watch at Halloween, but if you can't wait until then, which I usually can't, don't deny yourself. Turn the lights off if you dare… Hee Hee Hee. Directed by Robert Wise (112 min b/w).

Curse of the Demon (a.k.a. Night of the Demon) (1958)
DVD 2034

Dr Holden (Dana Andrews) travels to London to expose the leader of a demonic cult. The black magician, Julian Karswell is none too pleased and passes a slip of paper etched with runic symbols to the skeptical doctor. The paper has the power to summon a particularly nasty demon. Dr Holden, a believer at last, tries to find a way to slip the paper back before time runs out. This movie, based on Montague James short story Casting the Runes is very intense with some truly scary scenes. As for the demon itself (inserted at the last moment at the studio's insistence), there are some who hate it and others who love it. I am happy to count myself among the latter. Directed by Jacques Tourneur (83 min b/w).

The Curse of the Cat People (1944)
(Not available on DVD)

This sequel to "The Cat People" is a real gem although it has nothing to do with felines or the movie, which preceded it other than vague references as well as the carryover of its two stars, Simone Simon and Kent Smith. It is a moody tale about a lonely little girl who conjures up a ghostly playmate. Set in the town of Tarrytown, there are numerous references to Washington Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow. In fact, Julia Dean (whose portrayal of dowager Julia Farnham is superb ) recites The Headless Horseman in a manner guaranteed to raise goose bumps. Produced by the highly acclaimed Val Lewton (one of my all time favorite producer/directors) and directed by Robert Wise, "Curse of the Cat People" establishes both men as authentic masters of the genre. Directed by Robert Wise (70 min. b/w).

I Walked With a Zombie (1943)
(Not available on DVD)

Another unfortunate title. If you like West Indian voodoo, dark secrets, cries in the night, madness... you'll find all that and more in this Val Lewton produced chiller. "I Walked With a Zombie" is hailed by critics for its dreamlike quality and some of the best moments of cinematic horror, in particular, the sequence in which American nurse Dee takes her zombie-like patient, Jessica Holland, through the jungle, hurrying past rustling sugar cane fields and macabre relics to a crossroads for a rendezvous with…but you'll have to find out for yourself. The film is artfully crafted and deserving of the high praise it receives. If a horror film can be called poetic, then this is the one. Novelist, director and screenwriter Curt Siodmak shares writing credits. Directed by Jacques Tourneur (69 min. b/w).

The Old Dark House (1932)
DVD 435

If you like movies about creepy old houses (and who doesn't), and even creepier people, then this is the movie for you. Another James Whale masterpiece, "The Old Dark House" is made even more special by the knowledge that it was lost until1968. The film opens during a raging thunderstorm. Several lost travelers seek shelter in the Femm family mansion, a spooky old house filled with dark shadows, and even darker family secrets. And a more dysfunctional family or stranger cast of characters you'll never meet. The irrepressible Ernest Thesinger is Horace Femm, Eva Moore is his sister Rebecca Femm (the hostess from hell) and in a rather strange role, Boris Karloff is Morgan the mute butler who mumbles and hulks and leers. The movie also stars a young Melvyn Douglas and a delightfully cockney Charles Laughton. Directed by James Whale (71 min. b/w).

Carnival of Souls (1962)
DVD 130

Low budget it may be but if you can watch this movie and not come away feeling more than a little unnerved, then you did a whole lot better than me. "Carnival of Souls" rested in relative obscurity for a number of years but has since developed a loyal following and a well deserved reputation as a cult classic. It follows church organist Mary Henry (Candace Hilligoss) who survives a car plunge into a river only to find herself pursued by a gaggle of specters. Watching the ghoulish spirits dancing together at an abandoned amusement park is the stuff of nightmares. Don't pass this one by. Directed by Herk Harvey (80 min. b/w).

King Kong (1933)
VIDR 22

This is one terrific movie. I was lucky enough to have a brother who took me to see a Saturday matinee reissue when I was eight years old. Sure, I had a few bad dreams but they were a small price to pay to see Kong on the big screen. "King Kong," (as we all know) is a giant gorilla captured on Skull Island and transported for display to New York City. With it's underlying theme of beauty and the beast, King Kong showcases the special effects wizardry of master stop motion artist Willis O'Brien. Also recommended for Willis O'Brien fans are "The Lost World" (1925) DVD 422 and "Mighty Joe Young" (1949), another giant ape movie. Directed by Merian Cooper (103 min. b/w).

Psycho (1960)
DVD 931

One viewing and it is easy to see why this movie makes most film critics best movies of all time list. My mother (thanks mom!) took me to the theater to see "Psycho" when it first came out. It's been Alfred Hitchcock and me ever since. I was hooked from the opening title and the first shrill bars of composer Bernard Herrmann's grab you by the throat original score. It's hard to imagine that there is someone who hasn't heard of "Psycho" or the Bates Motel, or Janet Leigh's notorious shower scene or Anthony Perkins turn as the schizophrenic Norman Bates. Taken from the novel by Robert Bloch, "Psycho" is as powerful today as it was over forty years ago. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock (109 min. b/w).

Guilty Pleasures

The Beast With Five Fingers (1946)
(Not available on DVD)

This really should be on the classic horror list, but for lack of space I have put it here. If you haven't heard of this film it's time you sought it out. Peter Lorre, (one of my favorite creepy guys) is the tormented soul who is stalked by a disembodied hand only he is able to see. I never would have thought a hand could be so scary but trust me, this one will have you watching over your shoulder. Directed by Robert Florey (88 min. b/w).

Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959)
DVD 932

Whatever you have heard about director/writer/ Ed Wood's "Plan 9 From Outer Space" suffice it to say, it is all true. See it with like-minded friends and be prepared to be stupefied. Great dialogue: "All of you of earth are IDIOTS!" Wonderful special effects: flying saucers made from cheap plastic models dangling on strings (and not paper plates as originally thought) and acting that will make you weep---with laughter. With wasp-waisted Vampira, lumbering Tor Johnson and a deceased Bela Lugosi, this truly deserves its place as the best of the worst movies ever made. Directed by Ed Wood Jr. (79 min. b/w).

Robot Monster (1953)
DVD 2121

When the first reviews for "Robot Monster" came out director Phil Tucker tried to kill himself. What does that tell you? It's the end of the world like you've never seen it before. Earthquakes, dinosaurs, meteorites and a ridiculous looking alien flouncing around the desert in a gorilla suit and diving helmet. The acting, and I am being charitable here, is bad beyond belief; the special effects are abominable (listed in the credits is The Automatic Billion Bubble Machine), the dialogue atrocious. This wretched saga of how the alien Ro-Men try to eradicate the last surviving Hu-Mans easily vies with "Plan 9" as the absolute best of the worst. Directed by Phil Tucker (63 min. b/w).

The Horror of Party Beach (1964)
(Not available on DVD)

This should have been called The Incredible Horror of Party Beach because that's what this movie is. Incredible! No description of mine could begin to do it justice-- but I'll try. "The Horror of Party Beach" has the most laughably awful monsters that you will ever see in any movie. Big goggle-eyed mackerel- headed humanoids with a dozen wienie sized tubers sticking out of their mouths. There are "teenagers" who look old enough to be receiving issues of Modern Maturity and a terrible surfing band, The Del-Aires, who crank out such classics as The Zombie Stomp. So, if you want to laugh your bikini off---this is the one for you. Equally hilarious is the MST3K version. Directed by Del Tenney (72 mi. b/w).

The Giant Claw (1957)
(Not available on DVD)

Don't you just love movies where a humongous ugly bird marionette dangles on visible wires then drops down and eats a car full of rowdy teenagers? I sure do. Mark my word, this is the best giant buzzard movie you'll ever see. 'Nuff said. Directed by Fred F. Sears (76 min. b/w).

It Conquered the World (1956)
(Not available on DVD)

From the Roger Corman collection, this one is just bad enough to be good. Special effects cult favorite Paul Blaisdell outdoes himself with his creation of "It" from the title-a crab-clawed Venusian cucumber monster. The creature was supposed to remain in the shadows and not be seen by the audience. Thankfully, Corman decided to bring "It" out of his cave into the bright light of day. Be sure to have plenty of paper towels ready. Once the monster makes its entrance there won't be a dry seat in the house. Directed by Roger Corman (68 min. b/w).

Bride of the Monster (1956)
DVD 111

Poor Bela Lugosi. If starring in "Dracula" was the horror legend's zenith then showing up for this stinker must be his nadir. That said, as a stalwart Lugosi fan, I would watch him in anything. No matter how degrading the role (and they don't get much lower than this) Bela always gave it his best shot. And so did Ed Wood. This film is as unintentionally hilarious as they come. Originally titled "Bride of the Atom," there is hardly a scene that will not have you rolling in the aisles, from the dungeon lab with its walls painted to look like granite slabs, to the scientific equipment featuring a photo enlarger and a helmet made out of a spaghetti colander. There is the hulking Lobo (Tor Johnson) who bangs into doorways and the dreadful acting of Loretta King and Tony McCoy and a rubber octopus and…but why go on. This one you need to savor for yourself. Directed by Ed Wood Jr. (69 min. b/w).

Attack of the Crab Monsters (1957)
(Not available on DVD)

This will date me, but I saw this goodie from the Roger Corman collection on the screen double featured with Not of this Earth. It didn't matter that I could see the stunt man's feet under the crab monster's belly or that the film was made on a shoestring budget. It scared me so bad I was afraid to go to bed for weeks. The atomic radiation enlarged marauding crustaceans (from the work bench of Paul Blaisdell) had eye lids that went up and down and big fangs and could talk to the marooned scientists telepathically so that when the stupid person went to see who was calling them the crab monster would sneak up behind them and eat them!! Talk about turning the tables! It was pretty scary fare for a kid, now, it's just fun. Directed by Roger Corman (68 min. b/w ).

I was a Teenage Werewolf (1957)
(Not available on DVD)

I could have listed any one of a number of teenage oriented films from Samuel Z Arkoff's American International Pictures. There's "I was a Teenage Frankenstein" (which contains one of my favorite snips of bad movie dialogue: "Speak. You've got a civil tongue in your head. I know you have because I sewed it back myself.") and "Teenage Caveman" (starring Robert Vaughn) but I chose "Teenage Werewolf" because it is a cut above the rest and because it took itself so seriously. Featuring Michael Landon (in his first starring role) as the snarling juvenile delinquent who gets turned into an even snarlier teenage wolf, the film boasts a number of truly scary moments, not the least of which is listening to Ken Miller (listed under the credits as Vic the Bongo Player) sing. Directed by Gene Fowler Jr. (70 min. ).

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