August 2017
Planet of the Apes (1968)
We will discuss Pierre Boulle’s infamous novel La Planete des Singes and compare to the 1968 classic ‘Planet of the Apes’ (script by Rod Serling and Michael Wilson). We will delve into the mythos, sociological and political references found within the source material of this Academy Award-winning film.
Planet of the Apes would spawn a film franchise, television series, animated series and continued Academy award-winning series that continues to smash box office records today.
Our hosts are Joshua Hider, Mandie Harvey, Jon Wilson and Keith Chawgo
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (3.04); Forming the Plot (15.47); Prologue (18.45); Page to Page (19.11); Commercial Break (1:12.01); Film Trailer (1:12.44); Commercial Break (1:14.24); Lights, Camera, Action (1:14.57); Epilogue (2:29.30); End Credits (2:34.35); Closing Credits (2:36.50)
Opening Credit: Overture from Planet of the Apes from the Album 'Planet of the Apes Original Soundtrack Recording' Composed by Jerry Goldsmith.
Closing Credit: Planet of the Apes Musical - Hit and Run Bluegrass from the Album 'The Bluegrass Tribute To The Music Made Famous by The Simpsons'
All music is available on Amazon.
All Rights are reserved
September 2017
Silence of the Lambs (1991)
We will be covering Thomas Harris bestseller and the Academy Award Winning ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ directed by Jonathan Demme.
The Silence of the Lambs would start a film franchise and bring crime behavioural science to the masses. This is the film that started it all. Although Hannibal Lecter would make an appearance in the book 'Red Dragon' and the film 'Manhunter', he would not become a household name until this Academy Award-winning film.
The Literary Licence Podcast discuss Silence of the Lambs with Keith Chawgo, Mandie Harvey and Jon Wilson.
Opening Credits; Introduction (03.05), Forming the Plot (03.20), Prologue (04.11); Page to Page (04.52); Commercial Break (30.15); Film Trailer (30.47); Lights, Camera Action and Critic’s Choice (32.35); Epilogue and Competition (1:39:01); Closing Credits (1.44.55)
Opening Credits: Theme from Silence of the Lambs - Howard Shore from the album Silence of the Lambs Original Soundtrack Recording
Closing Credits: Hannibal Lecter - Beth Kinderman from the album All My Heroes are Villains
All rights are reserved.
All music is available through Amazon.
October 2017
The Haunting (1963)
We will be discussing the classic Shirley Jackson novel ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and the classic 1963 Robert Wise film, ‘The Haunting’. We also have an interview with Laurence Jackson Hyman, Shirley Jackson’s son, who discusses his mother’s career and current productions coming our way in the forthcoming year. We will also be joined by award-winning cartoonist, Rob Kirby. He will be co-hosting with Keith Chawgo and Jon Wilson and discussing ‘The Shirley Jackson Project – Comics Inspired by Her Life and Work’.
Robert Wise used inspirational camera techniques and angles and ensure that the pictures, tones and silence told the story of this phenomenal motion picture.
Opening Credits, Introduction (4.43), Page to Screen (7.40), Forming the Plot (8.12), Prologue (13.44), Page to Page (14.43), Interview with Laurence Hyman Jackson (1:07.12), Commercial Break (1:28.57), Screen Testing/Casting (1:29.30), Lights, Camera, Action/Critic’s Choice (1:30.22), Epilogue (2:10.40), Closing Credits (2:16.21)
Opening Credits – The History of Hill House (from The Haunting) – The Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra from the album ‘The History of Horror’
Opening Credits - The History of Hill House - Westminister Philharmonic Orchestra from the album 'A History of Horror'
Closing Credits – Haunted House – Griffin House from the album ‘Balls'
All Rights Reserved
All music is available on Amazon.
November 2017
The Road (2009)
The Literary License Podcast presents Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer Prize novel The Road with winning film directed by John Hillcoat with a script by Joe Penhall.
The Road handled an apocalyptic world with little dialogue and let the pictures and performance tell the story. This deep and haunting tale became a film festival favorite.
Joining Keith Chawgo and Jon Wilson is special co-host Cassandra Swan, the author of The Alibi Room an anthology of her work which includes her award-winning poetry.
Opening Credits; Introduction (02.43), Interview with Cassandra Swan (03.15); Memorable Road Trips (11.29); Forming the Plot (17.08); Prologue (19.50); Page to Page (20.09) Commercial Break (56.51); Film Trailer (56.57); Lights, Camera, Action (59.23); Epilogue (1.43.06); End Credits (1.45.52); Closing Theme (1.46.59)
Opening Theme – Home – Nick Cave and Warren Ellis – taken from the album The Road – Original Soundtrack Recording
Closing Theme – Far From Any Road by The Handsome Family – taken from the album Singing Bones.
All themes are available on Amazon.
All rights are reserved.
December 2017
A Christmas Story (1983)
The screenplay of A Christmas Story is based on Jean Shepherd’s In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, three semi-autobiographical posts published in Playboy from 1964 and 1966. Other stories which include Flick’s Tongue was told on his WOR Radio Talk Show in 1968. Other stories found within the feature can be found whilst giving talks on his college tour circuit.
The Red Ryder BB Gun came out in 1968 and is still available today.
Jon and Keith discuss their Christmas memories and discuss the book and the seasonal favourite. We also have an interview with Tripp Whetsell.
Opening Credits; Introduction (4.03); Memorable Christmas (4.31); Forming the Plot (8.32); Prologue (9.43); Page to Page (10.08); Commercial (55.50); Interview with Tripp Whetsell (56.11); Film Trailer (1:15.21); Lights, Camera, Action (1:17.43); Epilogue (1:56.03); End Credits (1.58.57)
Opening Credits - It's Christmas Eve - from the album A Christmas Horror Story (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Alex Khaskin
Closing Credits - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - from the album Ella's Swinging Christmas by Ella Fitzgerald
All songs are available on Amazon.
All rights are reserved.
Never Hike Alone (2017)
A hiker’s survival skills are put to the test, when he stumbles upon the remains of an old abandoned camp and discovers its long dark secrets.
Vincente di Santi will be joining us to discuss his career and his fan film ‘Never Hike Alone’. Di Santi is a writer, voice actor, director and actor who has written and directed the 2015 short ‘The Red Room’, additional dialogue for the 2016 animated film, ‘Rock Dog’ and his new short ‘Don’t Hike Alone’. This is a name that we think will make it big and we can’t wait to see what he has planned for the future.
Join us for our special episode premiering on Christmas Day, 25 December 2017.
Opening Credits; Introduction and Interview (1.12); Trailer (1:33.37); Closing Credits (1:36.15)
Opening Credits - Let the Games Begin – from the album ‘Beyond the Valley of the Dolls’ , music composed and arranged by Stu Phillips
Closing Credits – Do You Hear What I Hear/You Really Got Me – from the Album Christmas Party with Eddie G – Performed by Bobby Lloyd and the Skeltons
All music available at Amazon.
All Rights Reserved.
January 2018
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)
Originally filmed as a sequel to Valley of the Dolls, it was later as a parody to the commercially successful and critically reviled original Valley of the Dolls.
Released with the classification X, Meyer wanted to add more sex to the film but Fox wanted a quick released. In 1990, it was re-classified as NC-17. This cult classic is a simultaneous satire, serious melodrama, rock musical, comedy, violent exploitation , skin flick and moralistic expose.
Made for $900,000, the film would become a massive hit making $40 million at the box office. The film would also influence popular culture from Austin Powers, rock bands and computer games.
We will be discussing this classic cult film with C Derick Miller.
Opening Credits; Introduction (1.13); Interview with C Derick Miller (2.36); Commercial (30.17); Film Trailer (30.52); Spinning Off (33.26); What’s the Plot (35.34); Critiquing the Spin (36.24); Closing Credits (1:27.01)
Opening Credits – Let the Games Begin – from the soundtrack album ‘Beyond the Valley of the Dolls', music composed and arranged by Stu Phillips.
Closing Credits – Come with the Gentle People – from the soundtrack album ‘Beyond the Valley of the Dolls' - vocals by Lynn Carey, music composed and arranged by Stu Phillips
The Innocents (1961)
Henry James novella mixes two genres, the gothic and ghost stories, to make an eerie classic that stays embedded into the subconscious long after you put it down. Due to the original content, scholars have argued about the interpretations found within its pages. Many have argued about the evil hinted at the stories, which leads to its brilliance as its power is in the creating an intimate sense of confusion and suspense.
James would rewrite the story numerous times through his life span which would include subtle changes such as changing the children’s ages.
In 1961, Jack Clayton would bring the story to the screen starring Deborah Kerr, Michael Redgrave and Megs Jenkins . With a script by Truman Capote and John Mortimer, the psychological horror would achieve its effects through lighting, music and direction rather than conventional shocks. Cinematographer, Freddie Francis would employ deep focus in many scenes, as well as bold, minimal lighting.
The James classic would be adapted into a Broadway play, a ballet and there is even a prequel called The Newcomer starring Marlon Brando. There has even been countless foreign adaptions and even the basis of the Quentin Collins storyline explored in the classic gothic horror soap opera ‘Dark Shadows.
Interesting facts about the film is that Kate Bush’s The Infant Kiss is inspired by the film and audio tracks were sampled in the cursed tape of the 2002 film, The Ring.
Opening Credits; Introduction (3.47); Childhood Scary Experience (4.23); Forming the Plot (11.08); Prologue (12.23); Page to Page (13.15); Commercial Break (51.52); Screen Testing/Casting (52.22); Lights, Camera, Action (55.26); Epilogue (1:55.20); End Credits (1:59.01); Closing Theme (2:00.08)
Opening Credits - O Willow Waly - by Ashley Serena
Closing Credits - The Infant Kiss by Kate Bush from the album 'Never for Ever'
All Rights Reserved.
All songs are available through Amazon.
We would like to thank Ashley Serena for her beautiful rendition of 'O Willow Waly' who kindly gave us permission to especially use for this episode of the Literary License Podcast.
February 2018
The Amityville Horror (1979)
The Amityville Horror was a best seller book that advertised itself as a True Story which would take the world by the storm to become a media franchise that still lives today.
The basic history is that in 1974, Ronald DeFeo killed his family allegedly after hearing voices telling him to murder his family. One year later, George and Kathy Lutz and their three children move into the property where they experienced a haunting which would cause them to leave their house and personal belongs 28 days after moving in.
We discuss the DeFeo Murders, the Lutz Family and all things Amityville. We look at the book and film and our feelings of the haunting and the mass media storm that would define true life horror to the pinnacle of what it is today. Come join us to discuss the phenomenon which is the Amityville Horror with your co-hosts Keith Chawgo, Jon Wilson and Vickie Rae and special guest Matthew V Brockmeyer, author of Kind Nepenthe.
Opening Credits; Welcome (3.08); Introduction (3.28); Forming the Plot (10.09); Prologue (17.09); Page to Page (17.46); Commercial (1:33.08); Interview with Matthew V Brockmeyer (1:33.41); Commercial (1:40.11); Screen Testing and Casting (1:40.44); Lights, Camera, Action (1:43.13); Epilogue (2:17.03); End Credits (2:27.26); Closing Credits (2:27.46)
Opening Credits – Amityville Horror Main Titles by Lalo Schifrin taken from the original motion picture soundtrack The Amityville Horror.
Closing Credits – Get Out Of My House by Kate Bush taken from the album The Dreaming
All rights are reserved.
Music available on Amazon.
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The Strangers (2008)
The Strangers written and directed by Bryan Bertino is tells the perceived safety of pastoral life and explores stranger on stranger violence. Taken its cue from the Manson murders of 1969 and a series of break-ins that occurred in his neighbourhood as a child, Bertino filmed a thriller that questions ones safety in their own home.
Starring Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman play the couple whom seem to have stepped out of an Ingmar Bergman film which ultimately branding the film as naturalistic domestic horror. It also gives a nod to undermining the notion that rural America is more dangerous that the suburbs and city living creating a provincial violence within the confines of its setting.
The film is loosely based on a true story which takes its nod from the Manson Tate Murders and The Keddie Cabin Murders of 1981. The sequel, The Strangers: Prey at Night will be released in March 2018.
Opening Credits; Welcome/Introductions (1.24); Spinning Off (1.40); Strange Encounters (2.00); Commercial (9.80); Film Trailer (10.14); Commercial (12.80); What’s the Plot (12.50); Critiquing the Spin (13.25); Closing Credits (1:00.49)
Opening Credits – Let the Games Begin – from the Beyond the Valley of the Dolls Soundtrack, music composed and arranged by Stu Phillips
Closing Credits – Let’s Kill Tonight – from the album Virtues and Vices by Panic at the Disco
All rights reserved.
Songs available through Amazon.
March 2018
The Bad Seed (1956)
The Bad Seed tells the story of Rhoda Penmark, the picture perfect child who harbors a villainous demeanour.
The Bad Seed was a best selling book which was turned in to a Broadway sensation earning a Tony Award for Nancy Kelly in the part of Christine Penmark. It was also nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 1955. The film would bring almost the entire Broadway cast to the screen and would garner four Oscar nominations.
Examining the theme of nurture over nature, the film and book opens plenty of questions and leaves it to the audience to come up with their own conclusions.
Opening Titles (0.21); Introduction (2.30); Forming the Plot (7.45); Prologue (11.10); Page to Page (11.59); Commercial Break (1:05.30); Screen Testing/Casting (1:06.28); Commercial (1:09.46); Lights, Camera Action (1:10.22); Epilogue (2:07.27); End Credits (2:10.55)
Opening Credits – The Bad Seed – by Alex North from the album The Bad Seed (Original Soundtrack Recording)
Closing Credits – In These Shoes – by Kirsty MacColl from the album Tropical Brainstorm
All rights reserved.
All songs can be purchased through Amazon. Book and Film available through Amazon.
Across the Universe (2004)
This 2007 film stars Rachel Evans Wood, Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, TV Carpio, Dana Fuchs and Martin Luther McCoy and special guest appearances by Bono, Eddie Izzard, Joe Cocker and Salma Hayek, amongst others.
The film was nominated for Golden Globe and Academy Awards. It would also make the top ten lists of the year by several film critics.
The story is told mostly through song and imagery with very little dialogue. All the actors would sing live to the music track whilst filming. Giving a view of life during the 60’s through to 1970 America gives the film scope and with Julie Taymor’s efficient eye delivers on all fronts. This exciting film pulls out all stop to give an audio and visual extravaganza.
Opening Credits (.21); Introduction (3.42); Spinning Off (3.57); Commercial (9.30); Film Trailer (10.03); Commercial (12.28); Critiquing the Spin (12.59); Closing Credits (53.29)
Opening Credits - Across the Universe - Jim Sturgess from the album Across the Universe (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Closing Credits - Happiness is a Warm Gun - Joe Anderson and Salma Hayek from the album Across the Universe (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
All rights reserved.
Soundtrack and film available on Amazon.
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Reefer Madness (1936)
Reefer Madness, 1936 American propaganda film revolving around the melodramatic events that ensue when high school students are lured by pushers to try marijuana—from a hit and run accident, to manslaughter, suicide, attempted rape, hallucinations, and descent into madness due to marijuana addiction. The film was directed by Louis Gasnier and featured a cast of mainly little-known actors.
Originally financed by a church group, the film was bought and shown on the exploitation circuit between 1938 – 39. The copyright fell by the wayside until 1970 when the film was rediscovered as an unintentional satire about marijuana use. Since then, the film is shown on the midnight madness circuit with even a colorized version made available which helps camp up the original film to another degree. It is known as one of the worst films every made and holds its crown up there with Plan 9 from Outer Space.
Reefer Madness The Musical (2005)
Reefer Madness The Musical started life in Los Angeles and moved to Off Broadway where it closed shortly after due to 9/11. The show was then filmed for Showtime in 2008 to critical acclaim. Filmed using three of the original Broadway cast which includes Kristen Bell, Christian Campbell and Robert Torti, it added Steven Weber, Neve Campbell, Ana Gasteyer, Alan Cummings and Amy Spanger. The film went on to win numerous awards and even a Emmy for best original song. It has since went on to be a cult favour and in turn, has given the stage show a new lease on life where it has premiered around the world to critical acclaim and earning multiple awards.
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (3.18); Forming the Plot (9.18); Commercial (14.20) Reefer Madness 1936 Trailer (14.53); Prologue (16.47); Scene by Scene (17.44); Commercial (34.56); Reefer Madness The Musical 2004 Trailer (35.29); Lights, Camera, Action (37.29); Critics Choice (38.29); Epilogue (1:03.59); End Credits (1:10.42)
Opening Credits – Reefer Madness End Credits – from the Motion Picture Soundtrack Reefer Madness the Musical.
Closing Credits – Marahuana by Bette Midler from the album Songs From A New Depression
All Rights Reserved.
Music and films are available through Amazon.
April 2018
7 Faces of Dr Lao (1964)
The book won the 1935 Inaugural National Book award for most original book. Set in the fictional town of Abalone, Arizona, whose inhabitants epitomize ordinary Americans as they are simultaneously backhandedly celebrated and lovingly pilloried for their emergent reactions to the wonders of magic and of everyday life.
The film was script was written by Charles Beaumont which has a stellar cast of character actors and Tony Randall playing seven roles including the title character. The film would receive a special Academy Award for make-up and nomination for special effects.
Interesting facts about the film is that the Crystal Ball and Hourglass from the Wizard of Oz makes an appearance in the film along with the two headed turtle which would be featured in The Adams Family for a few episodes.
We are joined by our special guest co-host Tristan Drue Rogers.
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (3.19); Fantasy Character (3.56); Forming the Plot (7.02); Prologue (8.33); Page to Page (8.59); Commercial Break (39.08); Interview with Tristan Drue Rogers (39.41); Commercial Break (45.32); Film Trailer (46.07); Lights, Camera, Action (49.28); Epilogue (1:17.01), End Credits (1.22.31)
Opening Credits – Theme from the 7 Faces of Dr Lao – Music by Leigh Harline from the Soundtrack album 7 Faces of Dr Lao
Closing Credits – Everything is Beautiful – by Kianne Marie from the album Everything is Beautiful
All rights reserved
Music available from Amazon.
Murder by Death (1974)
1976 American satirical mystery comedy film with a cast featuring Eileen Brennan, Truman Capote, James Coco, Peter Falk, Alec Guinness, Elsa Lanchester, David Niven, Peter Sellers, Maggie Smith, Nancy Walker, and Estelle Winwood, written by Neil Simon and directed by Robert Moore.
The plot is a broad parody or spoof of the traditional country-house whodunit, familiar to mystery fiction fans of classics such as Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. The cast is an ensemble of British and American actors playing send-ups of well-known fictional sleuths, including Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Charlie Chan, Nick and Nora Charles, and Sam Spade. It also features a rare acting performance by author Truman Capote.
Charles Addams (creator of the Addams Family) would design the drawings used in the opening and closing credits and the poster.
Clue (1985)
The 1985 film based on a Hasbro board game of the same name starred Leslie Ann Warren, Madeleine Kahn, Eileen Brennan, Tim Curry, Martin Mull, Christopher Lloyd and Michael McKean. In keeping with the board game, the film has three different endings and on its original release, the ending would depend on which theatre you saw the film. All three endings were included in the video release. The film was direced by Jonathan Lynn and Written by John Landis and Jonathan Lynn.
A fourth ending was also filmed but this was later cascaded after John Landis thought it was not good enough. In the unused forth ending, Wadsworth committed all of the murders. He was motivated by his desire for perfection. Having failed to be either the perfect husband or the perfect butler, he decided to be the perfect murderer instead. Wadsworth reports that he poisoned the champagne the guests had drunk earlier so they would soon die, leaving no witnesses. The police and the FBI arrive, and Wadsworth is arrested. He breaks free and steals a police car, but his escape is thwarted when three police dogs lunge from the back seat.
The multiple ending concept was developed by John Landis and originally playwright Tom Stoppard, Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins were going to write the screenplay. A box office flop on its original release it has now become a cult classic.
A remake by Gore Verbinski is currently in discussion and the film was honoured in the television series Psych with special guests stars Christopher Lloyd, Martin Mull and Lesley Ann Warren would play suspects in a murder case. The episode, in addition to many jokes and themes in homage to the film, includes multiple endings in which the audience (separately for east and west coast viewership) decides who is the real killer. The episode was dedicated to the memory of Madeline Kahn.
Opening Credits (.19); Introduction (2.38); Murder Mystery (3.01); Forming the Plot (8.40); Commercial Break (10.37); Murder by Death Film Trailer (11.07); Prologue (14.13); Scene by Scene (15.04); Forming the Plot Clue (38.47); Commercial Break (40.24); Clue Film Trailer (40.57); Lights Camera Action (47.10); Critic’s Choice (43.07); Epilogue (1:17.30); Personal Preference (1:20.30); End Credits (1:25.03); Closing Credits (1:26.03)
Opening Credits – Let the Games Begin by Stu Phillips from the album Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.
Closing Credits – Everybody Loves A Nut by Johnny Cash from the album Everybody Loves A Nut.
All Rights Reserved
All songs available through Amazon.
May 2018
Jaws (1975)
After Peter Benchley became interested in shark attacks and after he learned about the exploits of shark hunter, Frank Mundus in 1965. In 1971, Doubleday commissioned Benchley to write a novel. The hardback would stay on the best seller list for over 44 weeks in 1974.
Richard D Zanuk and David Brown would buy the rights before the book was published and hired Steven Spielberg to direct. The film became box office gold in 1975 becoming one of the highest grossing films of all times. It would win three Academy Awards for Best Film Editing, Best Original Film Score and Best Sound.
We are joined by special guest co-host John Hunt, author of Dollhouse and The Tracker, out now. See below for more information about these two fascinating books that deal with dark fiction and pushes the limits to an excellent new level. You can also find reviews of these two outstanding books on our website under book reviews.
Opening Credits (.21); Introduction (4.06); Monthly Topic (4.38); Forming the Plot (9.03); Prologue (14.46); Page to Page (15.29); Commercial Break (56.33); Interview with John Hunt (57.23); Commercial Break (1:13.44); Film Trailer (1:14.08); Lights, Camera, Action (1:17.40); Epilogue (1:52.57) End Credits (2:04.03); Closing Credits (2:05.10)
Opening Credits – Theme from Jaws by John Williams available on the Album Jaws – Special Edition Soundtrack.
Closing Credits – Shark in the Water by VV Brown available on the album Traveling Like the Light.
All rights reserved.
Songs and albums are available on Amazon.
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Near Dark (1987)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Kathryn and Eric (The Hitcher) Red. The story centres around a young man who gets mixed up with a nomadic vampire gang. It is a cross breed of the Western, Biker and Horror genres. Although it was a box office flop on release, it is now considered a modern horror classic.
Near Dark would share three cast members from Aliens, Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen and Janette Goldstein. A cinema seen in the background early in the film has Aliens on its marquee and James Cameron played the man who flips off Severn. James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow would eventually marry.
Eric Red and Kathryn Bigelow would go on to work together on Blue Steel. Kathryn Bigelow would go on to become Hollywood’s leading female director with award winning films such as The Hurt Locker, Point Break and Zero Dark Thirty to name a few.
30 Days of Night (2007)
Based on the comic book miniseries by Steve Niles, this 2007 film stars Melissa George, Josh Hartnett, Ben Foster and Danny Huston. The film was directed by David Slade and written by Stuart Beatties and Steve Niles.
Sticking closely to the comic miniseries, Steve Niles would work on the screenplay. Stuart Beatties would later come in and flesh out the characters for the film medium. The film would focus on an Alaskan town where there is 30 Days of Night or a polar night. The film would cost $30million to make but would earn back over $70million turning it into a cult classic.
DVD and Blu-Ray sales would make it a smash success on the home video market. The film would lead to a straight to video sequel release which garnered poor reviews but sticks more faithfully to the comic miniseries.
Opening Theme (.19); Introduction (2.06); Getting To Know You (2.20); Forming the Plot (5.33); Commercial (11.14); Film Trailer (11.40); Prologue (14.00); Scene by Scene (14.37); Plot Thickens (43.10); Commercial (45.53); Film Trailer (46.23); Lights, Camera Action (48.37); Critic’s Choice (49.19); Epilogue (1:25.04); End Credits (1:28.10); Closing Credits (1:37.01)
Opening Credits – Let The Games Begin by Stu Phillips from the Original Soundtrack Recording ‘Beyond the Valley of the Dolls’
Closing Credits – Vampire Smile by Kyla LaGrange taken from the Album ‘Ashes’
All rights reserved.
All songs are available through Amazon.
June 2018
Legend of Hell House (1973)
Written in 1971 by Richard Matheson, the book would spawn a film feature and a comic book miniseries with illustrations by Simon Fraser and adapted by Ian Edgington.
The film script was written by Richard Matheson and directed by John Hough who was influential in the Hammer Horror films of the 1960/70’s. The film was made by American International (famous for the Poe series starring Vincent Price). The film stars Clive Revill, Gloria Hunnicutt, Pamela Franklin and Roddy McDowall. The film upon release was given a lukewarm review from critics but since that time, it is now considered a classic and has made it to top ten all time horror films.
Dialogue samplers from the film have been used by Anaal Nathrath, Skinny Puppy and Orbital.
Opening Credits (0.19.20); Welcome (3.27); What’s New (3.42); Forming the Plot (5.57); Prologue (7.20); Page to Page (8.20); Commercial (49.34); Film Trailer (50.06); Commercial (52.30); Lights, Camera, Action (53.01); Epilogue (1:51.37); End Credits (1:55.24); Closing Credits (1:56.16)
Opening Credits – Legend of Hell House by Demise from the album ‘Spook Show’
Closing Credits – Ghosts by ZZ Ward from the album ‘The Storm’.
All rights reserved.
All music is available through Amazon.
House of the Devil (2009)
Directed, written and edited by Ti West , House of the Devil gives a nod to late 70’s/80’s horror films. Using 16mm film, giving the film a retro look, the cinematography of the film also reflects the methods used by directors of the time. For instance, West often has the camera zoom in on characters (rather than dolly in as is now common in film), a technique that was often used in horror films of the 1970s and continued to be used into the 1980s. Other stylistic signifiers include opening credits (which became less common in films in the decades after the 1980s) in yellow font accompanied by freeze-frames and the closing credits being played over a still image of the final scene.
The plot concerns a young college student who is hired as a babysitter at an isolated house and is soon caught up in bizarre and dangerous events as she fights for her life. The film combines elements of both the slasher film and haunted house subgenres while using the "satanic panic" of the 1980s as a central plot element.
The film stars Mary Woronov, Tom Noonan, Jocelin Donahue, Dee Wallace and Greta Gerwig.
The Innkeepers (2011)
Written, directed and edited by Ti West, The Innkeepers centres around two ghost hunter enthusiasts who are working the final weekend of the Yankee Peddler Inn in Connecticut. A slow burn ghost story that mixes 80’s sensibilities with a modern twist.
The film stars Sara Paxton, Pat Healey, Lena Dunham and Kelly McGillis. The film is shot in Torrington Connecticut and at the actual Yankee Peddler Inn.
Opening Credits (.19); Welcome (1.41); Introduction (1.47); Getting To Know You (2.52); Forming the Plot (6.15); Commercial Break (7.54); House of the Devil Trailer (8.29); Scene by Scene (10.29); Forming the Plot II (53.02); Commercial Break (55.40); The Innkeepers Trailer (55.40); Lights, Camera, Action (57.49); Critics Choice (1:41.52); Epilogue (1:46.20); Closing Theme (1:47.03)
Opening Theme – I Can See You – from the album ‘House of the Devil’ by Jeff Grace.
Closing Theme – Til The Casket Drops – from the album ‘Til the Casket Drops’ by ZZ Ward
All rights reserved.
All music available through Amazon.
July 2018
The Exorcist (1972)
Based on a true story of demonic possession in 1949 which Blatty heard about whilst being a student at Georgetown University in 1950. Aspects of the character Father Merrin were based on the British archaeologist Gerald Lankester Harding, who had excavated the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls had been found and whom Blatty had met in Beirut. Blatty has stated that Harding "was the physical model in my mind when I created the character [of Merrin], whose first name, please note, is Lankester."
Aspects of the novel were inspired by an exorcism performed by the Jesuit priest, Fr. William S. Bowdern, who formerly taught at both St. Louis University and St. Louis University High School.
Recent investigative research by freelance journalist Mark Opsasnick indicates that Blatty's novel was based on an actual 1949 exorcism of a young boy from Cottage City, Maryland, whom Opsasnick refers to using the pseudonyms Robbie Mannheim and Roland Doe. The boy was sent to his relative's home on Roanoke Drive in St. Louis where most of the exorcism took place.
Blatty refers to the Loudun possessions and the Louviers possessions throughout the story, mostly when Fr. Karras is researching possession and exorcism to present the case to his superiors. He also has one of his characters tell a brief story about an unnamed fraudulent Spiritualist medium who had studied to be a Jesuit priest. This story can be found in Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research, Vol. 114. 1930, in an article about fraudulent practices by Daniel Dunglas Home.
The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards winning two for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound Mixing. The film would also win 4 Golden Globe Awards including Best Motion Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor and Best Screenplay.
Opening Credits (.19); Introductions (1.39); Getting To Know Us (2.03); Forming the Plot (10.22); Prologue (13.30); Page to Page (14.26); Commercial Break (1:03.37); Film Trailer (1:04.03); Commercial Break (1:05.47); Lights, Camera, Action (1:06.23); Epilogue (1:51.02); End Credits (1:55.03); Closing Theme (1:56.02)
Opening Credits – Five Pieces for an Orchestra by The National Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Leonard Slatkin from the album ‘The Exorcist – An Original Motion Picture Soundtrack’
Closing Theme – Tubular Bells by Book of Love from the album ‘Lullaby’
All songs available from Amazon.
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The Omen (1976)
Directed by Richard Donner and written by David Seltzer, this film would be the top box office winner of 1976 and a huge commercial success. This would also win Jerry Goldsmith's only Oscar for his richly textured soundtrack.
The film would bring the world three sequels and an unfavourable remake in 2006. It is now considered a horror classic and has crossed the genre divide as being known as a true film classic and is most top films to watch.
It has also won endless awards and considered to be an influential film that brought people back to the church upon its release in 1976. This classic story about a child switched at birth whom maybe the son of Satan getting ready to take back his rightful place in the world.
Frailty (2001)
Bill Paxton making is directorial debut with a script by Brent Hanley, this psychological thriller won over the critics for its dark portrayal of a father raising his children in the light of god with horrifying results.
The film is now considered a cult gem with critics urging people to discover this film which works on many levels. This is considered one of the best horror films to come out in the 2000's.
The film will never be equalled and it leaves its audience with food for thought long after the screen goes black. The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton and Powers Boothe.
It also brings to the screen two amazing young actors Matt O'Leary and Jeremy Sumpter who bring innocence and knowingness to their roles which will stick with you.
Opening Credits (.19); Introduction (3.46); What’s New (4.10); Forming the Plot (6.51); Commercial Break (8.12); Film Trailer (8.54); Prologue (11.12); Scene by Scene (11.51); Forming the Plot (57.59); Commercial Break (58.39); Film Trailer (59.11); Lights, Camera, Action (1:01); Critic’s Choice (1:02); Epilogue (1:31.35); End Credits (1:35.04); Closing Theme (1:35.47)
Opening Credits – Ave Santi – by Jerry Goldsmith from the album Varese Sarabande 25th Anniversary Celebration The Omen Original Soundtrack Recording
Closing Credits – Kids in America by Kim Wilde – from the album Kim Wilde (self-titled album)
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All songs available through Amazon
August 2018
Tommy (1975)
The first official Rock Opera, Tommy started life as a concept album written by Pete Townsend. Inspired by the teachings of Meher Baba, a spiritual master in India also known as The Avatar. The story centres around a blind, deaf and dumb boy who finds enlightenment playing pinball.
Several of the songs such as ‘Sally Simpson’ were inspired by The Doors concert which ended in violence and John Entswistle would cover the darker themes of bullying and sexual abuse. The album was a smashed though it did not have a clear narrative.
In 1972, a concert production went into production as a one off with the London Symphony Orchestra and which would include the vocal talents of Rod Stewart, Graham Bell, Maggie Bell, Sandy Denny, Steve Winwood, Richard Harris, Richie Havens, Merry Clayton and the Who.
In 1975, Ken Russell would bring the rock opera to screen which would include Jack Nicholson, Oliver Reed, Elton John, Ann Margaret, Tina Turner, Robert Powell and a host of others would form the main characters. The film would move around and add plot points to add a more cohesive structure to the original concept album.
The film would become a box office smash. Ann Margaret would go on to earn an Academy Award nomination for her role as Tommy’s mother.
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (4.43); Forming the Plot (8.29); Prologue (12.52); Page to Page (15.10); Commercial Break (24.51); Film Trailer (25.27); Commercial Break (27.25); Lights, Camera, Action (27.59); Epilogue (1:15.35); End Credits (1:20.11); Closing Credits (1:21.08)
Opening Credits – It’s A Boy/1921 – by The London Symphony Orchestra with feature vocalist Sandy Denny, Maggie Bell and Steve Winwood from the album The Who’s Tommy.
Closing Credits – Pinball Wizard – by Elton John from The Motion Picture Soundtrack Tommy
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Music available through Amazon.
Season One In Review 2017 - 2018
Please excuse our technical issues during this issue. We had a storm which effected our audio a little. We have endeavored to ensure that we have edited to the best of our ability. Thank you for your support.
Jon Wilson, Vickie Rae and Keith Chawgo will look back over our first season and discuss our seasonal highlights which will include looking back on all our episodes. We will also be discussing exciting news for what is coming your way in Season 2. We will also be looking at our personal highs and lows. This is an episode that you do not want to miss.
We would like to thank all our fans and listeners who make this worthwhile. We also would like to thank our special guest co-hosts throughout Season One which include Laurence Hyman Jackson, Vincente di Sante, C Derrick Miller, Joshua Hider, Mandie Harvey, Cassandra Swan, Robert Kirby, Matthew V Brockmeyer, Tristan Drue Rogers and John Hunt.
Opening Credits (.18); Introduction/Season One Review (4.24); Commercial Break (52.33); Intermission (53.06); Commercial Break (53.26); Coming Attractions/Season Two (54.00); Closing Credits (1:13.06)
Opening Credits – Chatterbox Pt 2 – by Book of Love – taken from the album MMXVI – The 30th Anniversary Collection
Intermission – Intermission – by The Carpenters – taken from the album A Song For You.
Closing Credits – Aquarius Apocalyptic – by Stop Light Observations – taken from the album Toogoodoo
All rights reserved.
All songs are available through Amazon.