Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell (1973)
Dr. Simon Helder is institutionalized at that same Asylum as Dr. Victor Frankenstein, for conducting similar experiments. Upon arrival, he is told that the Baron is dead, but he quickly finds out otherwise. Dr. Frankenstein is still very much alive, and still neck deep in his mad science. Helder becomes Victor's helper, along with the beautiful but silent Sarah. As you can see from the poster, there is indeed a monster in this movie.
I've owned this for quite some time, but this actually only marks my second viewing of it. It's enjoyable, but good grief, the monster FX are terrible. It just looks like a big hot mess, kinda like a bloated version of the Banana Monster. Performances are quite good. Cushing owns the show and I get a kick of seeing him prance around the asylum, flaunting the fact that he is in complete control, even if he isn't the headmaster. Shane Bryant plays Helder, and kinds looks like 80s James Spader if The Spades™ had traveled back in time to star in this film. Madeline Smith plays Sarah and she was quite the looker. Loved the miniature set pieces of the asylum and the introduction to all of the "dangerous" inmates was very cool! But damn, once again, that makeup... Lastly, this was Terence Fisher's last directorial effort. In 91 a Robin Hood film was released, but it was just edited together from the 1956 tv series.
Fright Night (1985)
What can I say about this one? This flick manages to be cute and funny without making the genre look stupid. I love Sarandon's suaveness, Ragsdale and McDowall's chemistry is absolutely delightful, Stephen Geoffrey's rules, Amanda Bearse was crazy adorable, the synth score is infectious, and both the practical and visual FX rock. I have a review from last year, if interested: Fright Night Review
Lastly, yesterday I was featured over at Son of Celluloid for a month long theme he is hosting called "What Halloween Means To Me." It was an honor and a whole lot of fun to talk about some memories of my favorite holiday. You can read that here, and I implore you to keep your eye out over there. Many, many more people will be spreading there love of Halloween, including other bloggers, directors, scream queens and so on... you don't want to miss it!
I'll be posting my Tuesday viewings sometime tomorrow!
