September 2019

It Might Be Catching

Short Story

Masque of the Red Death (1842)

Hop Frog (1849)

Film:

Masque of the Red Death 1964

The 1842 short story is an allegory about the inevitability of death. The Gothic short story is has risen to controversy with what is the titular disease which scholars continue to debate today. The original earned Poe $12.00 and would be published in Graham’s Lady’s and Gentleman’s Monthly.

In 1964, Roger Corman would bring the tale to the screen in all of its widescreen Technicolor splendor which would be part of the Corman Poe films starring Vincent Price in the lead role. Two sub plots are used in the classic screenplay written by Charles Beaumont and R Wright Campbell which incorporated Leap Frog, short by Poe himself and Torture of Hope by Augste Villiers de l’isle-Adam.

Interesting fact is award winning director Nicholas Roeg (Don’t Look Now, The Man Who Fell to Earth).

We are joined by Rod Labbe, esteemed film historian and journalist of classic films and one of our favourite guest co-host.

Opening Credits (.25); Introduction 3.22); Forming the Plot (12.39); Film Trailer (1:05.53); Lights, Camera, Action (1:10.26); Epilogue (2:21.33); End Credits (2:24.10); Closing Credits (2:26.19)

Opening Credits – Prelude/The Old Woman and the Red Death by David Lee from the soundtrack album The Masque of the Red Death

Closing Credits – Our Perfect Disease by The Wombats from the album The Wombats Proudly Present…The Modern Glitch

All songs available from Amazon.

Longtime Companion (1989)

Considered one of the first major films to deal with the AIDS crisis of the 80’s would be considered a triumphant upon its release. Told from the point of view of a group of friends in a ten year period would show the impact the disease would have. The title comes from what the New York Times would use for the surviving same sex partner who had died from the AIDS virus.

Norman Rene and Craig Lucas would bring this amazing story to the screen. Rene would die of the AIDS virus in 1996. Craig Lucas is a multi-talented stage performer, director and writer and has won numerous awards for his work on Broadway.

The film stars Mary Louise Parker, Bruce Davison, Campbell Scott, Patrick Cassidy, Dermot Mulroney and Michael Schoeffling.

It Comes at Night (2017)

Written and directed by Trey Edward Shults following the death of his father, the film tells the story about a family who take refuge from a contagious disease in a house deep in the woods and the effects this has on the family.

The film takes its cue from the 1562 oil painting, The Triumph of Death whilst being influenced by the work of Paul Thomas Anderson and John Cassavettes. It also gives a nod to The Shining and Night of the Living Dead. This is a totally original work that surpassed expectation upon its initial release beating out big budget Hollywood films such as The Mummy and Megan Leavey.

The film stars Joel Edgerton, Carmen Ejogo, Christopher Abbott, Kelvin Harrison Jr and Riley Keough.

Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (5.13); Forming the Plot (9.46); Film Trailer (18.31); Page to Page (21.39); Outlining the Script (54.17); Film Trailer (57.17); In Sequence (1:00.51); Lights, Camera, Action (1:01.25); Epilogue (1:30.04); End Credits (1:33.49); Closing Theme (1:35.02)

Opening Credits – Go West – by The Village People from the album Go West In The Navy

Closing Credits – Our Perfect Disease – by The Wombats from the album The Wombats Proudly Present….The Modern Glitch

All songs rights reserved

All music available through Amazon.

Rec (2007)

This 2007 Spanish found footage film written and directed by Jaume Balaguero and Paco Plaza would set the world on fire with their debut film that would spawn three sequels. The film centers on a news reporter and cameraman covering a fireman’s intervention in a Barcelona apartment building. The situation escalates as a murderous disease takes roots in the occupants causing them to be animalistic in nature.

The film would be remade for the American audience as Quarantine but would not capture the original films flair and audiences.

The film holds a 90% approval rating and is listed on numerous top 100 film lists for the year it released and all time favorite horror films. It is one film that totally holds you captive from the opening to closing frames.

We are joined by special guest co-host Dave Campfield.

Opening Credits (.22); Introduction (4.59); Forming the Plot (9.12); Film Trailer (15.40); Lights, Camera, Action (18.50); Epilogue (1:16.03); End Credits (1:24.02); Closing Credits (1:26.31)

Opening Credits: Disease – by Alli Fitz – Single available now through Amazon

Closing Credits: Shake The Disease by Depeche Mode – Taken from the album Black Celebration.

All songs are available through Amazon.

Dark Shadows - September 1966

Episodes 49 - 71

Bill Malloy has still disappeared and Victoria Winters finds a body below the cliffs. The Sheriff starts to investigate everyone which includes Sam and Maggie. Burke Devlin thinks Roger has something to do with Bill disappearance and aims to prove his theory. Old secrets come out and a portrait of Josette is found in the old house.

We have Part One of our special interview with the writer, producer and director, Ansel Faraj who has a remarkable career. Make sure you following Ansel via the following sites:

Website: https://www.hollinsworthproductions.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HollinsworthProd1

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4043796/?ref_=tt_ov_wr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollinsworthproductions

Make sure you order his films with his fantastic cast including a lot of Dark Shadows alumni. You can order these at: https://www.oldies.com/performer-view/Ansel-Faraj.html

Help save the fin trad by signing the petition. It only takes a minute of your time and you too can help these creatures back from the brink of mass extinction. https://www.sharkallies.com/nofinfl-support-sign-on

Opening Credits (.27); Introduction (5.33); Out of the Shadows (13.20); Into The Shadows (29.41); Shedding Some Light (30.58); Part One - Interview With Ansel Faraj (1:40.18); Morning Has Broken (2:31.57); Tune In Next Time (2:55.17); Closing Credits (2:57.45)

Opening Credit – Tragedy - by Steps – taken from the album Steptacular

Closing Credits – Bury A Friend– by Billie Eilish – Taken from the album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go

All songs available through Amazon.

October 2019

Revenge is Sweet

Short Story:

The Pit and the Pendulum (1842)

Film:

The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)

The 1842 short story from Poe is about a man’s torment in prison during the Spanish Inquisition although Poe does skews historical fact to fit the fabric of his story. The short story uses the senses to instil fear into the reader unlike is previous work which dealt more than supernatural. The death anxiety that the narrator experiences ingrains itself into the mind of the reader.

In 1961, with a script by Richard Matheson, Roger Corman send ferore into Edgar Allan Poe would star Vincent Price, Barbara Steele and John Kerr. The film would be a huge influence with Italian horror with Bava’s The Whip and the Body and Argento’s Profundo Rosso. Stephen King has stated that this is one of the most important films of 1960’s horror.

We are joined by Rod Labbe, esteemed film historian and journalist of classic films and one of our favourite guest co-host.

Help save the fin trade by signing the petition. It only takes a minute of your time and you too can help these creatures back from the brink of mass extinction. https://www.sharkallies.com/nofinfl-support-sign-on

Opening Credits (.25); Introduction 3.01); Forming the Plot (13.40); Film Trailer (45.31); Lights, Camera, Action (49.29); Epilogue (1:39.29); End Credits (1:42.32); Closing Credits (1:45.36)

Opening Credits – The Pit and the Pendulum by Les Baxter from the soundtrack album The Pit and the Pendulum

Closing Credits – Torture by Berlin from the album Pleasure Victim

All songs available from Amazon.

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The Last House on the Left (1972)

1972 exploitation film written, edited and directed by Wes Craven and produced by Sean Cunningham, which is based on the Swedish film by Ingmar Bergman ‘The Virgin Spring’. It was filmed on a modest budget of $87,000 but would gross over $3million.

Originally to be filmed as a hardcore film with all actors and crew being totally committed, was changed after shooting began to make a softer film. Craven idea of the film was to not glamourise violence. The film would star David A Hess, Sandra Peabody and Steve Miner as a hippie taunting Deputy.

The film would be remade in 2006 by Rogue Pictures

Big Driver (2014)

Based on a short story found in Stephen King’s Full Dark, No Stars (2010), Lifetime Channel would film with a screenplay by Richard Christen Matheson (son of Richard Matheson). Considered to be a television exploitation film, some critics were unimpressed while other critics praised this to the hilt.

The story deals with a crime mystery writer driving cross country for a meet and greet where she ends up on the side of the road in a rural area. It is a revenge tale that after a beating and raping, Tess takes matters into her own hands. It is often compared to King’s version of the classic exploitation film, I Spit On your Grave.

Starring Maria Bello, Joan Jett and Olympia Dukakis and directed by Mikael Salomon.

Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (1.52); Forming the Plot (24.40); Film Trailer (30.46); Page to Page (32.37); Outlining the Script (1:05.37); Film Trailer (1:09.09); Lights, Camera, Action (1:11.16); Epilogue (1:44.34); End Credits (1:58.57); Closing Theme (1:59.46)

Opening Credits – Introduction and Opening Credits – by David A Hess from the album Original Soundtrack Recording Last House on the Left

Closing Credits – Revenge – by P!nk and Eminem from the album A Beautiful Trauma

All songs rights reserved

All music available through Amazon.

The Devil's Backbone (2001)

2001 Gothic horror film directed by Guillermo del Toro and written by del Toro, David Munoz and AntonioTrashorras and independently produced by Pedro Almodovar. The film is set in 1939 Spain during the final year of the Spanish Civil War. The story tells the tale of Carlos who ends up in an orphanage where a ghost is seeking to make things right.

Considered a companion piece Pan’s Labyrinth, the film would not be as successful but would find its audience given the film a 92% approval rating. The film stars Eduardo Noriega, Marisa Paredes and Frederico Luppi.

We are joined by writer and producer Joe (Caesar and Otto Deadly Christmas) Randazzo. You can following John through:

Twitter: joe_randazzo

Instagram: joerandazzo624

Opening Credits (.22); Introduction (3.19); Forming the Plot (9.01); Film Trailer (20.51); Lights, Camera, Action (24.49); Epilogue (1:07.23); End Credits (1:11.26); Closing Credits (1:14.35)

Opening Credits: Haunted Heart– by Christine Aguilera – Single available now through Amazon – from the forthcoming album The Addams Family

Closing Credits: The Devil’s Backbone by Say Yes, Juliet – Taken from the album Catch the Horizon.

All songs are available through Amazon.

Dark Shadows - October 1966

Episode 71 - 91

The cause of Bill Malloy's death is reviewed. Roger starts acting suspicious. David plays games with Victoria as Bill Malloy's ghost makes an appearance. Victoria starts to investigate her origins as she takes a trip to Bangor with Burke Devlin. Mrs Johnson finds new employment.

We have Part Two of our special interview with the writer, producer and director, Ansel Faraj who has a remarkable career. Make sure you following Ansel via the following sites:

Make sure you order his films with his fantastic cast including a lot of Dark Shadows alumni. You can order these at:

https://www.oldies.com/performer-view/Ansel-Faraj.html

Opening Credits (.27); Introduction (3.50); Out of the Shadows (08.10); Into The Shadows (13.26); Shedding Some Light (15.55); Part Two - Interview With Ansel Faraj (56.44); Morning Has Broken (1:49.51); Tune In Next Time (2:05.36); Closing Credits (2:08.27)

Opening Credit – Ghost - by ZZ Ward – taken from the album The Storm

Closing Credits – I’m Jealous – by The Divinyls– Taken from the television soundtrack album Melrose Place

All songs available through Amazon.

November 2019

Insane of the Membrane

Story:

The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether (1845)

Film:

Stonehearst Asylum (2014)

The 1845 short story by Edgar Allan Poe centres on an unnamed and naïve narrator visiting a mental asylum in the southern provinces of France. It deals with a new treatment for patients called soothing, they are granted the freedom and roam the grounds in normal clothing. The doctors humour their hallucinations and fantasies without contradiction. For example, if patient thinks he is a chicken, the patient is treated like a chicken and given corn to eat.

Stonehearst Asylum or Eliza Graves as it is also known is a loosely based adaption of the source material. Taking its cue from the horrors of Victorian medicine, the film would star David Thewlis, Kate Beckinsale, Jim Sturgess, Michael Caine, Jason Fleming and Ben Kingsley.

Opening Credits (.25); Introduction 5.56); Forming the Plot (17.04); Film Trailer (41.38); Lights, Camera, Action (45.51); Epilogue (1:04.21); End Credits (1:13.08); Closing Credits (1:14.49)

Opening Credits – Inmates (We’re All Crazy) by Alice Cooper from the album From the Inside

Closing Credits – From the Inside by Alice Cooper from the album From the Inside

All songs available from Amazon.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Considered one of the greatest American films of all time, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest is directed by Milos Forman. The film would be filmed at the Oregon State Hospital in Salem, Oregon where the novel takes place.

The film would be produced by Michael Douglas and stars Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Brad Dourif, Christopher Lloyd, Danny DeVito, Michael Berryman and Scatman Crothers. The film would be the third highest grossed film of 1975 and has since been inaugurated into the Library of Congress. An interesting fact the author of the book, Ken Kelsey, who disliked the film.

Dancer in the Dark (2000)

The 2000 Danish musical melodrama directed by Lars Von Trier tells the tale of a daydreaming factory worker saving up for an eye operation for her son who maybe suffering from the same degenerative eye condition for which she suffers from.

The film is very mixed with some considering it to be too melodramatic whilst others considers this to be the most important film of the 21st Century. The film is considered the third in a series of films known as the Golden Heart Trilogy. Breaking the Waves and The Idiots being the first two in the trilogy.

The film stars Bjork, Catherine Deneuve, David Morse and Peter Stormare. Bjork claims that making the film was emotionally draining and she would not make another film but would make one other film, Drawing Restraint 9. In 2017, Bjork would join the #metoo movement by stating that Von Trier allegedly acting inappropriate towards her which he denies.

Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (07.10); Forming the Plot (12.50); Film Trailer (18.39); Page to Page (22.13); Outlining the Script (1:02.12); Film Trailer (1:04.27); Lights, Camera, Action (1:07.44); Epilogue (1:39.22); End Credits (1:44.39); Closing Theme (1:46.44)

Opening Credits – Virtual Insanity – by Jamiroquai from the album High Times: Singles 1992 - 2006

Closing Credits – I Go Crazy – by Paul Davis from the album Singer of Songs, Teller of Tales

All songs rights reserved

All music available through Amazon.

Frontier(s) (2007)

Xavier Gans' horror psychological film tells the story of a group of criminals from Paris lodge at a country inn run by neo-Nazis.

The film was released quickly to a NC-17 rating and shortly sold on DVD in an unrated version which was considered too intense for cinema release.

It explores the "untended elements of society, the sections which are allowed to remain in realities that no longer exist in urban settings."

Will Millar is participating in the Boston Marathon.

Tough Ruck 26.2 is group of military and civilians whose sole purpose is to Ruck in honor and in memory of our Fallen Service Members, Police, Firefighters and EMTs, while raising funds to support military families in times of need. We will walk a 26.2 mile certified course with our Rucks and carry the names of our Fallen comrades with us.

On April 15, 2013, the Tough Rucker were at the finish line of the Boston Marathon and joined the first responders to help those that were injured by the horrific blasts. They truly exemplify the best of what our Nation is. Today the Ruck happens the Sunday before Boston Marathon Monday in Concord, Massachusetts on the original trails of the Revolutionary War. Tough Ruck is the only Ruck march partnered with the Boston Marathon and finishers are awarded the official Boston Marathon Medals and receive recognition from the Boston Athletic Association. Military Friends Foundation is the official charity of Tough Ruck.

Click the link to help support this worthy cause: CLICK HERE

Opening Credits (.22); Introduction (4.41); Forming the Plot (12.50); Film Trailer (15.01); Lights, Camera, Action (18.44); Epilogue (1:17.54); End Credits (1:27.33); Closing Credits (1:29.44)

Opening Credits: Is Anybody There? – by E. G. Daily – Taken from the album Wild Child

Closing Credits: Born Bad by Cissie Cobb – Taken from the Natural Born Killers

All songs are available through Amazon.

Dark Shadows - November 1966

Episode 92 - 113

Victoria tries to find out more about her past. Mrs Johnson believes Collingwood is haunted. Someone is trying to kill Victoria and Bill Malloy's murder finds an unlikely suspect. Matthew discloses his secrets to Elizabeth while Caroline starts flirting with the enemy.

Part One of special interview with Kathleen Reisch and Marcy Robin, organisers of the Dark Shadows conventions.

Opening Credits (.27); Introduction (4.30); Out of the Shadows (9.50); Into The Shadows (15.56); Shedding Some Light (19.16); Part One - Interview With Kathleen Reisch and Marcy Robin (1:19.03); Morning Has Broken (1:50.49); Tune In Next Time (2:04.40); Closing Credits (2:06.28)

Opening Credit – Where Evil Grows - by The Poppy Family – taken from the album A Good Thing Lost 1968 - 1973

Closing Credits – Happy Talk – by Captain Sensible – Taken from the album Women and Captains First

All songs available through Amazon.

Dark Shadows - December 1966

Episode 114 - 135

Victoria is in mortal danger and a mysterious woman with a past that concerns Roger and David comes to town. The ghosts of Bill and Josette appear to right some wrongs. The story of the Phoenix begins.

Part Two of our interview with Kathleen Resch and Marcy Robin, organisers of the Dark Shadows Convention

Opening Credits (.27); Introduction (4.45); Out of the Shadows (12.20); Into The Shadows (19.44); Shedding Some Light (24.13); Part Two - Interview With Kathleen Resch and Marcy Robin (1:14.27); Morning Has Broken (2:15.03); Tune In Next Time (2:18.25); Closing Credits (2:21.39)

Opening Credit – Mother Stands For Comfort - by Kate Bush – taken from the album Hounds of Love

Closing Credits – Ciao! – by The Beautiful South – Taken from the album Gold Diggas, Head Nodders & Pholk Songs

All songs available through Amazon.

December 2019

The Art of Making Art

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Short Story:

Tell Tale Heart (1843)

Film:

Tell Tale (2009)

The unnamed narrator tries to convince the sanity of himself as he describes the murder that they committed. The 1843 short story would give full details of dismemberment of a body and hiding. Ultimately the narrators guilt or mental sanity will come in focus when he starts hearing the dead man’s beating heart.

Tell Tale is a 2009 science fiction horror drama film centre around a man who has a heart transplant as he looks for the man who murdered the donor before a similar fate befalls him. The film came out quietly but has an impressive cast which includes Josh Lucas, Lena Headey and Brian Cox who are directed by Michael Cuesta and produced by Tony and Ridley Scott.

Opening Credits (.25); Introduction (3.09);

Forming the Plot (7.47); Film Trailer (31.13); Lights, Camera, Action (34.27); Epilogue (56.57); End Credits (58.42); Closing Credits (1:00.45)

Opening Credits – It’s Christmas Eve by Alex Khashkin from the album A Christmas Horror Story

Closing Credits – Jingle Bells by Ella Fitzgerald from the album Ella’s Swinging Christmas

All songs available from Amazon.

Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)

This 2008 science fiction, gothic rock musical horror comedy film directed by Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw franchise), tells the tale of a world in 2056, a corporation funds transplants through a payment plan. If the patient is late with their payment, the repo man comes and takes back their organs.

The film has a cult status that now equals the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The film stars Alexa Vega, Paul Sorvino, Anthony Stewart Head, Sarah Brightman, Paris Hilton, Joan Jett and Bill Moseley.

The Devil's Carnival (2012)

2012 follow-up to Reo! The Genetic Opera brought back Darren Lynn Bousman and Terrance Zdunich. The musical horror film tells the tale of the main characters who find themselves caught in fables based on Aesop Fables. This is the first of a trilogy of films with part two and three waiting to be filmed. As it is self-funded, filming for part two started in 2014 being released as Alleluia: The Devil’s Carnival.

The film stars Emilie Autumn, Sean Patrick Flannery, Briana Evigan, Paul Sorvino and Bill Moseley. The stories included are Grief and Its Dues, The Dog and Its Reflection and The Scorpion and the Frog – an animal fable originated from Russia.

Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (08.02); Forming the Plot (17.01); Film Trailer (20.11); Page to Page (22.14); Outlining the Script (54.10); Film Trailer (55.30); Lights, Camera, Action (57.24); Epilogue (1:19.19); End Credits (1:26.56); Closing Theme (1:27.55)

Opening Credits – Chase The Morning/Everyone’s A Composer/Come Back! – by Alexa Vega/Sarah Brightman/Anthony Stewart Head/Nancy Long from the album Repo: The Genetic Opera

It’s Christmas Eve – by Alex Jaraway – from the album A Christmas Horror Story Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Closing Credits: Epitaph – Terrance Zdunich from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Repo: Genetic Opera

Do You Hear What I Hear/You Really Got Me – Bobby Lloyd and the Skeletons from the album A Christmas Party with Eddie G

All songs rights reserved

All music available through Amazon.

Dario Argento's Opera (1987)

Dario Argento’s classic film Opera is considered the most commercially successful of all of Argento’s work. The music is composed by Brian Eno, Claudio Simonetti and Bill Wyman. The plot focuses on murders in an opera house by a masked assailant. Taking his experiences of directing the opera of Macbeth, Argento would be inspired to take his experiences and bring them to the screen.

The film stars Cristina Marsillach, Urbano Barberini and Ian Charleston. The film would have exciting set pieces and would capitalize on Argento death scenes that would be cut upon various releases throughout the world but have since have been reinstated in new releases in the film. The film is presented in THX film and audio.

We are joined by writer and producer Joe (Caesar and Otto Deadly Christmas) Randazzo. You can following Joe through:

Twitter: joe_randazzo

Instagram: joerandazzo624

Opening Credits (.22); Introduction (3.06); Forming the Plot (11.45); Film Trailer (14.25); Lights, Camera, Action (16.11); Epilogue (53.41); End Credits (1:03.26); Closing Credits (1:07.27)

Opening Credits – It’s Christmas Eve – by Alex Jaraway – from the album A Christmas Horror Story Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Closing Credits: Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley – An Elvis Christmas

All songs rights reserved

All music available through Amazon.

Dark Shadows - January 1967

Episodes 136 - 157

Burke asks Laura to help him with his manslaughter charges whilst Victoria helps David accept his mother. Laura starts making enemies at Collingwood whilst two graves are found one hundred years apart with the same name.

Part One of our special interview with Rod Labbe, interviewer and writer.

Opening Credits (.27); Introduction (3.08); Out of the Shadows (11.03); Into The Shadows (22.23); Shedding Some Light (28.19); Part One - Interview With Rod Labbe (1:08.48); Morning Has Broken (2:22.30); Tune In Next Time (2:44.57); Closing Credits (2:47.56)

Opening Credits – It’s Christmas Eve by Alex Khashkin from the album A Christmas Horror Story

Closing Credits – White Christmas – by The Drifters from the album Christmas with the Drifters

All songs available through Amazon.

January 2020

The Spirit of Love

Short Story:

Ligeia (1838)

Film:

Tomb of Ligeia (1964)

Published in 1838, this short story by Poe would be rewritten many times. Telling the story of Ligeia, a woman who beautiful with odd features who dies with the narrator being obsessed. He remarries the complete opposite of Ligeia named Rowena. When Rowena dies, Ligeia may be reborn within Rowena’s body. There has been debate through the years of whether the story is a satire of Gothic fiction.

In 1964, Roger Corman would finish his series of Poe films with The Tomb of Ligeia with screenplay by Robert Towne (Chinatown). Vincent Price was cast in the film as he had a contract with AIP who was financing the film. Towne though Price to be too old and wanted Richard Chamberlain. When Corman told Towne about Price being cast, Corman added that he shouldn’t worry as they hired Marlene Dietrich make up artist for Price.

Opening Credits; Introduction 1.32); Forming the Plot (13,59); Film Trailer (47.55); Lights, Camera, Action (50.30); Epilogue (1:18.22); End Credits (1:21.51); Closing Credits (1:24.11)

Opening and Closing Credits – thanking Purple Planet Music for our fantastic Opening and Closing Credits.

Obsession (1976)

Brian dePalma's 1976 psychological thriller/mystery follows a New Orleans businessman who feels guilt after his wife and daughter die during a botched kidnapping. After many years, he falls in love with an exact look alike of his dead wife.

This would be the last film score of Bernard Herrman and the film would give a big nod towards Alfred Hitchcock as well.

There was some concerned over the complicated love story that would give pause to Columbia who held back the film for a year. The film would be the first successful box office success of dePalma which would lead to him directing his box office smash 'Carrie'.

Stoker (2013)

This 2013 British-American psychological thriller drama film written by Wentworth Miller and directed by Park Chan-wook, was influenced by Bram Stoker and Alfred Hitchcock’s Shadow of a Doubt. The film tells the story of an 18 year old girl whose life changes with the arrival of her Uncle Charlie to events that will lead to the calamity of the family.

The film stars Mia Wasikowska, Matthew Goode and Nicole Kidman. The highly visual and artistic film would divide critics and audiences by its contrast of styles that are a departure from the directors normal style as seen in his Oldboy film. The film was posted in the top ten films of 2013 on numerous critics lists.

Opening Credits; Introduction – PO/Love of the Week (1.32); Forming the Plot (09.59); Film Trailer (11.36); Lights, Camera, Action (13.15); Forming The Plot (Take 2) (36.38); Trailer Take 2) (39.56); Lights, Camera, Action (Take 2) (42.19); Epilogue (1:10.45); End Credits (1:19.29); Closing Credits (1:22.54)

Opening and Closing Credits – thanking BenSounds for our fantastic Opening and Closing Credits.

Possession (1981)

The 1981 French-German psychological horror drama film was directed by Andrezj Zulawski. The plot obliquely follows the relationship between an international spy and his wife, who begins exhibiting increasingly disturbing behavior after asking him for a divorce.

The films stars Sam Neil and Isabelle Adjani who won best actress at the Cannes Film Festival.

The film was originally banned in several countries but has since been released uncensored in those countries is now considered an arthouse classic.

Intersect, the film discussed can be located at http://www.intersectthemovie.com/ Make sure you give it a click and let us know what you think.

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (.49); Forming the Plot (10.28); Film Trailer (11.44); Lights, Camera, Action (14.28); Epilogue (1:10.09); End Credits (1:17.35); Closing Credits (1:20.46)

Song Credits: Thank you from Purple Planet Music for our Opening and Closing Credits.

Dark Shadows - February 1967

Episode 158 - 177

Elizabeth's memory has faded after seeing a shrouded figure and she becomes catatonic. Laura tries to get custody of David. Josette makes a warning from beyond the grave. Roger urges for a divorce and another person falls victim to a curse.

Part Two of our interview with Rod Labbe.

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.09); Out of the Shadows (09.31); Into The Shadows (30.07); Shedding Some Light (37.39); Part Two - Interview With Rod Labbe (1:24.36); Morning Has Broken (2:07.44); Tune In Next Time (2:15.11); Closing Credits (2:24.09)

Opening and Closing Credits – Dark Shadows Theme – by Robert Cobert

Opening and Closing Credits for Interviews – Happy Talk by Captain Sensible

All songs available through Amazon.

February 2020

You're My Obsession

Short Story:

Fall of the House of User (1838)

Film:

House of Usher (1960)

The 1839 narrative short story by Edgar Allan Poe. It is a Gothic short story with themes of madness, isolation, family and metaphysical identities. The main characters of Roderick and Madeleine Usher are twins who are the exact doppelganger of each other. Poe was inspired by Usher estate in Boston, MA.

In 1960, Roger Corman would direct and Richard Matheson was write the screenplay which would be the first of the Poe films they would do for AIP. Shot in just fifteen days and starting Vincent Price, Mark Damon, Myrna Fahey and Harry Ellerbee would mark AIP to graduate into widescreen technicolour filming. The film is now considered a classic and is part of United States National Film Registry as being deemed culturally, historically and aesthetically significant.

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.32); Forming the Plot (07.43); Film Trailer (50.36); Lights, Camera, Action (53.07); Epilogue (1:32.04); End Credits (1:36.56); Closing Credits (1:39.06)

Opening and Closing Credits – thanking Purple Planet Music for our fantastic Opening and Closing Credits.

Westworld (1973)

1973, Michael Crichton would write and direct Westworld which would start the rise of his writing career. The American Science Fiction Western film would be about an amusement park of androids that would malfunction and start to kill the visitors.

The film stars James Brolin, Dick Van Patten, Richard Benjamin and the fantastically cast Yul Brynner. The film would set box offices alit and create one sequel called Futureworld and a 1980’s short lived television series Beyond Westworld. The film would come to modern audiences again in the new HBO series which is considered one of the icons of modern television.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Released in 1994 to critical acclaimed and based on a short novella by Stephen King and directed by Frank Darabont, tells the tale of a prisoner sent to Shawshank for the murder of his wife and her lover although he claims his innocence. Over the next two decades he would befriend a fellow prisoner, Ellis "Red" Redding and becomes instrumental in a money laundering scheme set up by the prison warden.

The film stars Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, William Sandler, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows and James Whitmore.

Initially released as a box office failure, the film would go on to gain a cult following and would end up becoming the number one VHS rental film after award nominations and word of mouth. It is now considered one of the best films of the 1990's.

We have been shortlisted for a Rondo award. You can vote via their website: https://rondoaward.com/rondoaward.com/blog. Or you can vote via e-mail: taraco@aol.com. If you just want to vote for the Literary License Podcast, just cut and paste the following into your e-mail:

Best Multimedia Site: Literary License Podcast.

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (1.32); Forming the Plot (08.33); Film Trailer (10.52); Lights, Camera, Action (13.34); Forming The Plot (Take 2) (46.37); Trailer (Take 2) (49.32); Lights, Camera, Action (Take 2) (51.40); Epilogue (1:28.37); End Credits (1:32.44); Closing Credits (1:34.47)

Opening and Closing Credits – thanking BenSounds for our fantastic Opening and Closing Credits.

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The Fourth Man (1983)

The Dutch suspense film directed by Paul Verhoeven and based on the novel of the same name by Gerard Reve, was selected as the Dutch entree for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars but wasn't nominated.

The film stars Jeron Krabbe, and Renee Soutendijk and would be the last film that Verhoeven would direct in the Netherlands.

The film is known for its sexual explicitness and violence which is a stable in Verhoeven films. The film would be considered by Verhoeven as the spiritual prequel to his American film Basic Instinct.

Best Multimedia Site: Literary License Podcast.

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (.49); Forming the Plot (09.23); Film Trailer (10.46); Lights, Camera, Action (14.53); Epilogue (55.37); End Credits (1:00.53); Closing Credits (1:03.17)

Song Credits: Thank you from Purple Planet Music for our Opening and Closing Credits.

Dark Shadows - March 1967

Episode 178 - 200

A seance in the old house reviews some hidden secrets from the past that has consequences in the present. Laura's past is revealed as the Phoenix storyline comes to an end. Willie Loomis and Jason Macquire makes a visit to Collinsport to confront Elizabeth about her missing husband.

Best Multimedia Site: Literary License Podcast.

Opening Credits; Introduction (2.19); Out of the Shadows (13.58); Into The Shadows (31.12); Shedding Some Light (39.31); Morning Has Broken (1:34.22); Tune In Next Time (1:50.59); Closing Credits (1:54.17)

Opening and Closing Credits – Dark Shadows Theme – by Robert Cobert

Special Thank You to Don Capone – who cleaned up the backstage chatter from the set of Dark Shadows – Burning of the Phoenix episode. Thank you so much, you are the best!!!!!

All songs available through Amazon.

Dark Shadows - April 1967

Episodes 201 - 219

Caroline is having a difficult time with why Jason and Willie are hanging around Collingswood. David tells Willie about hidden treasures found in the hidden room of the family tomb. A family member that resembles a family member from 200 years ago makes an appearance where legends are born.

Best Multimedia Site: Literary License Podcast.

Opening Credits; Introduction (4.21); Out of the Shadows (19.34); Into The Shadows (53.32); Shedding Some Light (1:00.31); Morning Has Broken (1:43.37); Tune In Next Time (2:00.27); Closing Credits (2:03.59)

Opening and Closing Credits – Dark Shadows Theme – by Robert Cobert

All songs available through Amazon.

March 2020

Guilty Is What Guilty Does

Short Story:

The Black Cat (1843)

Film:

The Black Cat (1934)

Directed by Edga G Ulmer (set designer for Metropolis) would direct this pre-Hayes film based on the Edgar Allen Poe film of the same name. It would be the biggest Universal box office smash of that year.

This would be the first of eight films to pair up Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi.

The film is very loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe's classic short story. In fact, it is so loosely based that the Poe story is almost non-existent. The film involves a nightmare that involves necrophilia, ailurophobia, drugs, a deadly game of chess, torture, flaying, and a black mass with a human sacrifice.

We are joined by The Literary License Podcast Dark Shadows co-host Tom Diamon.

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.32); Forming the Plot (16.09); Film Trailer (33.59); Lights, Camera, Action (35.39); Epilogue (1:23.04); End Credits (1:30.53); Closing Credits (1:33.26)

Opening and Closing Credits – thanking Purple Planet Music for our fantastic Opening and Closing Credits.

The Night of the Hunter (1955)

This one and only film masterpiece directed by Charles Laughton and starring Shelly Winters, Lillian Gish and Robert Mitchum is considered the second best American film. The film tells the story of a corrupt minister turned serial killer who attempts to charm an unsuspected widow and steal $10,000 dollars hidden by her executed husband.

Based on the true story of Harry Powers who was hanged in 1932 for the murder of two widows and three children in West Virginia. The film has a lyrical and expressionistic style that is influenced by films of the silent era.

The love/hate tattoos across Mitchum's fingers would become an iconic image in itself.

Looper (2014)

Written and directed by Rian Johnson and starring Emily Blunt, Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt would gross 170million against its 30million budget.

The story revolves around Loopers, hired by criminal syndicates from the future to terminate victims that they send through time.

Some of the film takes place in Shanghai to appeal to a Chinese audience.

The film would make several top ten lists for that year.

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (1.32); Forming the Plot (12.37); Lights, Camera, Action (13.49); Film Trailer (53.01); Forming The Plot (Take 2) (54.35); Trailer (Take 2) (55.29); Lights, Camera, Action (Take 2) (57.54); Epilogue (1:50.37); End Credits (1:55.44); Closing Credits (1:57.07)

Opening and Closing Credits – thanking BenSounds for our fantastic Opening and Closing Credits.

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Les Diaboliques (1955)

The French classic directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot and starring Simone Signoret, Vera Clouzet and Paul Meurisse is based on a novel by Pierre Bouleua (Planet of the Apes) and Thomas Narcejac (Vertigo).

The film blends elements of thriller and horror, with the plot focusing on a woman and the mistress of her husband who conspire to murder the man. The body disappears and a number of strange incidents start to occur.

The film would be the tenth largest box office success of that year. Considered by many as the closest thing to an Alfred Hitchcock film without being a Hitchcock film. Interestingly enough, Hitchcock himself missed owning the rights of the book minutes before it was purchased.

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (.49); Forming the Plot (10.29); Film Trailer (11.58); Lights, Camera, Action (14.48); Epilogue (55.49); End Credits (1:08.53); Closing Credits (1:01.22)

Song Credits: Thank you from Purple Planet Music for our Opening and Closing Credits.

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.05); Story Geek Videos To Watch From Home (12.16); Out of the Shadows (15.42); Into The Shadows (57.59); Shedding Some Light (1:06.17); Morning Has Broken (1:54.39); Tune In Next Time (2:13.42); Closing Credits (2:17.05)

Dark Shadows - May 1967

Episode 220 - 243

Willie is under the watchful eye of Barnabas Collins. Maggie starts to believe that she is Josette. Barnbas shares the story of Josette while Joe Haskell becomes worried about Maggie. Jason informs Elizabeth that they are to be married.

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-story-geeks/id1120739105 or https://thestorygeeks.org/ or https://tunein.com/podcasts/Fantasy--Science-Fiction-Podcasts/The-Story-Geeks-p1158612/

Opening and Closing Credits – Dark Shadows Theme – by Robert Cobert

All songs available through Amazon.

April 2020

Elementary, My Dear

Short Story:

Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841)

Film:

Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932)

The 1932 pre-Hays film and second film to star Bela Lugosi was originally cut due to violent themes upon its initial release. The film is directed by Robert Florey.

The expressionistic style of the film would give a nod to the German expressionistic style made famous in Germany.

The director wanted to keep as close to Edgar Allan Poes story as possible in keeping with the 1840's setting of Paris but Universal would not agree so the film was given an update to reflect the time. Universal would push for more romance and sex appeal as subplots.

We are joined by Rod Labbe and special guest co-host Angela Dyson, author of the Love Detective series. You can follow Angela Dyson via her Website: or via her Facebook: or via Twitter:

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: iTunes: or Website: or TuneIn Radio

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.35); Story Geeks – What to Watch This Week (15.44); Forming the Plot (19.24); Film Trailer (58.20); Lights, Camera, Action (59.51); Epilogue (1:26.08); End Credits (1:40.11); Closing Credits (1:44.04)

Opening and Closing Credits – thanking Purple Planet Music for our fantastic Opening and Closing Credits.

The Lodger (1944)

Directed by John Brahm and screenplay written by Barre Lyndon based on the novel of the same name by Marie Belloc Lowndes. The book was filmed once before as a silent film by Alfred Hitchcock.

The film stars Merle Oberon, George Sanders and Laird Cregar. The film revolves around the story of Jack the Ripper.

The film is highly regarded as a classic film noir.

Time After Time (1979)

This Metrocolor Science Fiction film is written and directed by Nicholas Meyer and based on an unfinished manuscript by Karl Alexander.

The story centres around HG Wells and his time machine as he goes back in time to pursue Jack the Ripper. The film stars David Warner, Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen.

The film would be filmed on location in San Francisco and would highlight the city. Interestingly, Malcolm McDowell wanted to give a true characterisation to H G Wells and heard his recorded voice. After hearing Wells' high pitched south east London accent, he decided to use a more distinct voice and accent.

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: iTunes: or Website: or TuneIn Radio

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (1.32); Story Geeks (14.39); Forming the Plot (17.06); Film Trailer (18.05); Lights, Camera, Action (20.17); Forming The Plot (Take 2) (53.26); Trailer (Take 2) (54.05); Lights, Camera, Action (Take 2) (57.01); Epilogue (1:34.19); End Credits (1:36.30); Closing Credits (1:37.35)

Opening and Closing Credits – thanking BenSounds for our fantastic Opening and Closing Credits.

Prodondo Rosso aka Deep Red (1975)

Released in 1975 and directed by Dario Argento the film would offer a soundtrack by Goblin. The film stars David Hemingway and Daria Nicolodi

The story centers around a pianist who starts to investigate a series of murders performed by a mysterious figure wearing black gloves.

Originally cut upon its original release to the States and UK, mostly scenes involving talking scenes between Hemingway and Nicolodi as they were not dubbed into English. This was approved by Dario himself. The film is now released uncut with the missing sequences in Italian on DVD and Blu-Ray.

We are joined by writer and producer Joe (Caesar and Otto Deadly Christmas) Randazzo. You can following Joe through:

Twitter: joe_randazzo

Instagram: joerandazzo624

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: iTunes: or Website: or TuneIn Radio

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (.49); Story Geek Segment (10.03); Forming the Plot (12.37); Film Trailer (13.30); Lights, Camera, Action (16.11); Epilogue (1:33.39); End Credits (1:40.46); Closing Credits (1:42.56)

Song Credits: Thank you from Purple Planet Music for our Opening and Closing Credits.

Dark Shadows - June 1967

Episode 244 - 265

Elizabeth is blackmailed by Jason whilst Willie is controlled by Barnabas. Carolyn begins a relationship with hippie motorcyclist Buzz. Maggie is locked up whilst a mysterious girl in 1700's clothing starts making an appearance. Julia Hoffman becomes involved in the happenings at Collinwood.

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.05); Story Geek Videos To Watch From Home (08.59) Out of the Shadows (13.56); Into The Shadows (54.50); Shedding Some Light (1:02.17); Character Breaks (2:04.57); Morning Has Broken (2:15.23); Tune In Next Time (2:26.36); Closing Credits (2:28.58)

Opening and Closing Credits – Dark Shadows Theme – by Robert Cobert

All songs available through Amazon.

May 2020

Death is the End?

Short Stories:

The Black Cat (1843)

Morella (1835)

The Cask of Amontillado (1846)

The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar (1845)

Film:

Tale of Terror (1962)

With a screenplay by Richard Matheson, it is the fourth film in the eight films of the Corman-Poe Cycle. The film is an anthology format with three short films connected by a narration by Vincent Price who appears in all three stories.

The film stars Peter Lorre, Debra Paget and Peter Lorre. The film took three weeks to film and complete.

The film inspired merchandising with comic book adaption and a Matheson released paperback novelisation released in 1962.

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: iTunes: or Website: or TuneIn Radio

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.32); Story Geeks – What to Watch This Week (08.02); Forming the Plot (10.22); Film Trailer (43.44); Time Slingers Book Release – Death of a Bounty of Hunter (45.47); Lights, Camera, Action (48.20); Epilogue (1:06.07); End Credits (1:11.16); Closing Credits (1:13.05)

Opening and Closing Credits – thanking Purple Planet Music for our fantastic Opening and Closing Credits.

Hereditary (2018)

The American horror film directed by Ari Aster tells the story about a family haunted after the death of their secretive grandmother.

The films stars Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff and Milly Shapiro.

The film is controversial as it left audiences members either confused and scratching their heads or at the other end of the spectrum, loving it and realising every nuiance.

The film is a instant classic and gave us a director that we will hear many great things from.

Midsommar (2019)

Ari Aster's second motion picture is a folk horror tale that follows a group of friens as they go to Sweden for a festival that occurs once every ninety years, only to find themselves in the clutch of a pagan cult.

This Swedish/American production received heavy praise from critics and audience members alike proving Aster is a director to look out for. He combines visual style, unique storytelling techniques and his own unique spin on proceedings.

The film stars Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper and Will Poulter.

We are joined by C Derrick Miller, Author of the Taste of Home series and you can find him at the following links: Websites: http://cderickmiller.com; American Justice Podcast website is http://www.americanjusticepodcast.com and check out what is happening on his new film via http://www.warningsignsfilm.com

We are also pleased to introduce our new co-host Jesse Faultz. He comes with a wealth of knowledge and we are so pleased to have him on board. Everyone welcome Jesse to the Literary License Podcast. He will be a regular on Dark Shadow episodes and many more.

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (1.32); Story Geeks (19.40); Forming the Plot (22.53); Film Trailer (23.42); Lights, Camera, Action (25.51); DAB Book Release (1:06.22); Forming The Plot (Take 2) (1:08.44); Trailer (Take 2) (1:10.05); Lights, Camera, Action (Take 2) (1:12.34); Epilogue (2:00.32); End Credits (2:11.37); Closing Credits (2:12.15)

Opening and Closing Credits – thanking BenSounds for our fantastic Opening and Closing Credits.

Les Yeux Sans Visage aka Eyes Without A Face (1960)

Directed by Georges Franju, based on a book by Jean Redon. It tells the tale of a plastic surgeon who is determined to perform a face transplant on his daughter, who is disfigured after an auto crash.

The film stars Pierre Brasseur and Alida Valli. The film is known for being about anguish... it's quieter mood than horror... more internal, more penetrating. It's horror in homeopathic doses.

The film is now considered a masterclass in post modern horror with its direction and sense of mood.

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: iTunes: or Website: or TuneIn Radio

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (.49); Story Geek Segment (7.10); Forming the Plot (9’27); Film Trailer (11.13) Lights, Camera, Action (17.18); Epilogue (47.08); End Credits (52.40); Closing Credits (53.48)

Song Credits: Thank you from Purple Planet Music for our Opening and Closing Credits.

Dark Shadows - July 1967

Episode 266 - 286

Widow's Hill starts calling to Elizabeth to end it all. Elizabeth recalls what happened to Carolyn's father. Jason leaves Collingswood but finds himself embroiled in what is going on at the old house. Barnbas holds a party where the Collin's will dress as their ancestors. Josette's music box holds clues for Dr Hoffman about Maggie's condition. Dr Hoffman goes to Collingswood under cover.

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.05); Story Geek Videos To Watch From Home (7.56) Out of the Shadows (11.29); Into The Shadows (32.49); Shedding Some Light (49.21); Character Breaks (1:49.51); Morning Has Broken (1:59.40); Tune In Next Time (2:06.39); Closing Credits (2:07.38)

Opening and Closing Credits – Dark Shadows Theme – by Robert Cobert

All songs available through Amazon.

Dark Shadows - August 1967

Episode 287 - 309

The mystery of Sarah becomes revealed. Dr Hoffman discovers Barnabas' secret and offers to find a cure. Burke and Victoria become engaged. Barnabas is seeking Sarah's ghost and Dr Hoffman's cure is not going well. Dark Shadows goes to colour.

We are joined by special guest co-host Patrick McRae. He is a professional stage director of eighty productions, a voice actor, professional comic book author, and winner of the 2017 Rondo Award for Writer of the Year. You can find him at www.collinsporthistoricalsociety.com

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.05); Story Geek Videos To Watch From Home (12.17); Out of the Shadows (15.19); Into The Shadows (26.20); Shedding Some Light (49.09); Character Breaks (1:54.11); Morning Has Broken (2:08.30); Tune In Next Time (2:20.17); Closing Credits (2:22.01)

Opening and Closing Credits – Dark Shadows Theme – by Robert Cobert

All songs available through Amazon.

June 2020

The Final Countdown

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Short Story:

The Premature Burial (1844)

Film:

The Premature Burial (1962)

Directed by Roger Corman and based on the short story of the same name, this would be the third film in the Corman - Poe cycle.

The film stars Ray Milland, Hazel Court, Alan Napier, Heather Angel and Richard Ney. The screenplay by Charles 97 Faces of Dr Lao) Beaumont and Ray (Mr Sardonicus) Russell.

The story centres around a man who has a fear of being buried alive. Interestingly enough, the film's assistant director is Frances Ford Coppola.

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: iTunes: or Website: or TuneIn Radio

We are joined by Rondo award winner of 2020 Rod Labbe.

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.32); Story Geeks – What to Watch This Week (14.41); Forming the Plot (17.23); Film Trailer (51.54); Time Slingers Book Release – Death of a Bounty of Hunter (54.23); Lights, Camera, Action (56.51); Epilogue (1:42.19); End Credits (1:53.32); Closing Credits (1:54.19)

Opening Credits – thanking Purple Planet Music for our fantastic Opening and Closing Credits.

Closing Credits – You Can’t Stop The Beat from the motion picture soundtrack ‘Hairspray’.

Used by Permission

All rights are reserved.

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Hard Candy (2005)

Directed by David Slade and written by Brian Nelson. The American thriller focuses on a 14 year old female vigilante's trapping and torture of a man whom she suspects of being a sexual predator.

The film stars Ellen Page, Patrick Wilson and Sandra Oh.

The film inspiration came from a 20/20 story about a Japanese girl who would lure older businessmen to a location with a promise of meaningful conversation, only to mug and assault the men with a gang of other girls.

This is David Slade's directorial debut.

Ex-Machina (2014)

Written and in his directorial debut by Alex Garland, the film follows a programmer who is invited by his CEO to administer the Turing test to an intelligent humanoid robot.

The film stars Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander and Oscar Isaac.

The foundation for Ex Machina was laid when Garland was 11 or 12 years old, after he had done some basic coding and experimentation on a computer his parents had bought him and which he sometimes felt had a mind of its own. His later ideas came from years of discussions he had been having with a friend with an expertise in neuroscience, who claimed machines could never become sentient. Trying to find an answer on his own, he started reading books on the topic.

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (1.32); Story Geeks (7.53); Forming the Plot (11.23); Film Trailer (12.14); Lights, Camera, Action (14.40); DAB Book Release (1:08.02); Trailer (Take 2) (1:10.05); Lights, Camera, Action (Take 2) (1:12.34); Epilogue 1:53.52); End Credits (2:02.08); Closing Credits (2:03.04)

Opening Credits – thanking BenSounds for our fantastic Opening Credits.

Closing Credits – Praise the Lord and Pass The Ammunition – The Merry Macs copyrighted 1942 Push Back Now.

All songs available through Amazon Music.

The Vanishing (1988)

This Dutch thriller film directed by George Sluizer and based on the book The Golden Egg by Tim Krabbe, follows a man who searches obsessively for his girlfriend following her disappearance at a rest stop.

The film stars Bernard-Pieere Donnadieu, Gene Bervoets and Johanna ter Steege.

The film was put forward for an Oscar but as it was a Dutch film with too much French dialogue it was disqualified despite winning numerous awards upon its release around the world.

The film was adapted into a radio play for the BBC and was remade for the American audience using the same title starring Sandra Bollocks, Keifer Sutherland, Jeff Bridges and Nancy Travis.

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: iTunes: or Website: or TuneIn Radio

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (.49); Story Geek Segment (3.51); Forming the Plot (6.27); Film Trailer (07.31); DBD – Book Release (8.59); Lights, Camera, Action (11.21); Epilogue (38.01); End Credits (42.39); Closing Credits (43.20)

Song Credits: Thank you from Purple Planet Music for our Opening and Closing Credits.

Dark Shadows - September 1967

Episode 310 - 330

David becomes trapped in the mausoleum. Sarah appears to Willie and Dr Woodward claims that Sarah's doll is over 150 years old. David's life is in danger. Victoria becomes afraid of the past. Barnabas frames Willie whilst David is attacked by a large bat.

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.05); Story Geek Videos To Watch From Home (1.41); Out of the Shadows (5.20); Into The Shadows (18.31); DBH Book (28.29); Shedding Some Light (30.39); Character Breaks (1:24.29); Morning Has Broken (1:30.13); Tune In Next Time (1:38.52); Closing Credits (1:39.41)

Opening Credits – Dark Shadows Theme – by Robert Cobert

Closing Credits – Praise the Lord and Pass The Ammunition – The Merry Macs copyrighted 1942 Push Back Now.

July 2020

What's the Story

Short Story:

The Oblong Box (1844)

Film:

The Oblong Box (1969)

The 1969 British horror film is directed by Gordon Hessler and starring Vincent Price and Christopher Lee. This is the first film that stars together these two icons.

Initially as a follow-up from the team that brought Michael Reeves and Vincent Price together for the Witchfinder General, Reeves became ill and Hessler stepped in to take over direction making some changes within the script.

Set as a satire of the detective story, Poe delivers through the narrator's grotesque misinterpretations, a clever satiric version of the detective hero.

Although the film was a box office success, it is known as one of the lesser Poe projects released around this time.

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: iTunes: or Website: or TuneIn Radio

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.32); Story Geeks – What to Watch This Week (02.14); Forming the Plot (5.39); Film Trailer (24.29); Time Slingers Book Release – Death of a Bounty of Hunter (27.18); Lights, Camera, Action (28.52); Epilogue (49.41); End Credits (52.59); Closing Credits (1:02.13)

Opening Credits– thanking Purple Planet Music for our fantastic Opening Credits.

Available through Amazon

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When A Stranger Calls (1979)

Directed by Fred Walton and taking a nod through urban legend about a babysitter and the man upstairs. The film's opening 20 minutes is considered one of the scariest ever filmed. So much so that Wes Craven would copy this for the successful Scream series.

The film stars Carol Kane, Charles Durning, and Colleen Dewhurst.

The film was remade in 2006 and a sequel called When A Stranger Calls Back in 1993 as a television film which is considered one of the best sequels of a horror film. Both are now repackaged together in a special blu-ray box set.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Directed by Tobe Hopper and written by Hopper and Kim Henkel. The film follows a group of friends who fall victim to a family of cannibals while on their way to visit an old homestead.

The film stars Marilyn Burns, Paul A Partain, Edwin Neal, Jim Siedow and Gunnar Hansen.

Upon its initial release in 1974, the film was banned in several countries. The film has now been re-assessed and considered a classic within the horror genre. The film has spawned several sequels and plenty of imitators.

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (1.32); Story Geeks (3.48); Forming the Plot (8.41); Film Trailer (11.17); Lights, Camera, Action (12.54);Forming The Plot (1:05.20); DAB Book Release (1:06.30); Trailer (Take 2) (1:08.52); Lights, Camera, Action (Take 2) (1:09.57); Epilogue 1:58.42); End Credits (2:12.42); Closing Credits (2:13.37)

Opening Credits – thanking BenSounds for our fantastic Opening Credits.

All songs available through Amazon Music.

Bodom (2016)

Directed by Taneli Mustonen and inspired and based on the Lake Bodom murders of 1960.

The Finnish film follows a group of Finnish friends decide to go camping by Lake Bodom to do a reconstruction of the 1960 murders, but something goes wrong.

The film has more twists than the mountain road the cast travel on to get to Lake Bodom. The main actress Mimosa Williamo would win best actress at Screamfest 2016

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: iTunes: or Website: or TuneIn Radio.

Opening Credits (.46); Introduction (6.35); Story Geek (8.38); Forming the Plot (12.36); Film Trailer (13.29); Lights, Camera, Action (15.01); Epilogue (56.07); End Credits (1:05.58); Closing Credits (1:07.04)

Opening Credits - Thank you from Purple Planet Music for our Opening Credits.

Closing Credits – Getting Away With Murder – by Patti Austin – taken from the album Getting Away with Murder copyright – 1984 Qwest Records.

All songs available through Amazon.

Dark Shadows - October 1967

Episode 331 - 352

David tells Burke and Dr Woodward to search the mausoleum. Julia continues her experiments with not much success. Dr Woodward gets to close to the truth. Carolyn becomes under the spell of Barnabas and starts to do his biding. Julia is walking on shaky ground

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: iTunes: or Website: or TuneIn Radio.

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.05); Story Geek Videos To Watch From Home (8.31); Out of the Shadows (11.22); Into The Shadows (20.53); Shedding Some Light (27.52); Character Breaks (1:46.26);); Morning Has Broken (2:04.18); Tune In Next Time (2:12.20); Closing Credits (2:13.49)

Opening Credits – Dark Shadows Theme – by Robert Cobert

All Songs Available on Amazon

August 2020

It's All An Anthology Game

Short Story:

The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar (1845)

The Black Cat (1843)

Film:

Two Evil Eyes (1990)

The Italian-American horror two parter is directed by George A Romero and Dario Argento where each film their favourite Edgar Allen Poe story.

The film stars Adrienne Barbeau, Harvey Keitel, Sally Kirkland, Kim Hunter, John Amos, Julie Benz, E G Marshall, Madeline Potter and Martin Balsam.

Romero's side of the film has special effects by Tom Savini. Both films were filmed in Philadelphia .

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: iTunes: or Website: or TuneIn Radio

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.32); Story Geeks – What to Watch This Week (8.20); Forming the Plot (12.33); Film Trailer (14.37); Lights, Camera, Action (15.39); Epilogue (57.36); End Credits (1:15.39); Closing Credits (1:17.08)

Opening Credits– thanking Purple Planet Music for our fantastic Opening Credits.

Available through Amazon

Bill_and_Teds_Excellent_Adventure_-_Matt

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)

The American science-fiction comedy film directed by Stephen Herek and written by Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon would go on to be a box office success.

The plot follows two slackers Bill and Ted, as they travel through time to assemble historical figures for their high school project.

The film stars Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter and George Carlin.

The film uses a fluid anthology mix when presenting itself with historical figures and using an over arching story device for the end project. The film would spawn one sequel, cartoon series and a comic book series.

The third installment will be released in Summer 2020.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, this 1994 crime film would turn the anthology on its head with a new and inventive way of story telling while using numerous stories.

The film stars Samuel L Jackson, John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer, Eric Stoltz, Rosanna Arquette and Bruce Willis.

The film is noted to being out of chronological order. The structural form is an episodic narrative with circular events adding a beginning and end and allowing references to elements of each separate episode to be made throughout the narrative.

We urge all our listeners to listen to this fantastic podcast – The Story Geeks available by clicking on this link: iTunes: or Website: or TuneIn Radio.

We are joined by our special guests:

We are also joined by writer and producer Joe (Caesar and Otto Deadly Christmas) Randazzo. You can following Joe through:

Twitter: joe_randazzo

Instagram: joerandazzo624

We are also joined by Sean Steffin, writer and producer of The Perfect Candidate. You can follow Sean through:

My Twitter is @SeanFnSteffen

Opening Credits; Introduction – Rose and Thorn of the Week (1.32); Story Geeks (11.07); Forming the Plot (14.49); Film Trailer (15.49); Lights, Camera, Action (17.41);Forming The Plot (37.18); Trailer (Take 2) (38.44); Lights, Camera, Action (Take 2) (41.48); Epilogue (1:23.13) End Credits (1:34.03); Closing Credits (1:34.47)

Opening and Closing Credits – thanking BenSounds for our fantastic Opening Credits.

Black Sabbath (1960)

This Italian anthology film directed by Mario Brava is centred on three stories that are introduced by Boris Karloff.

Upon its release, the American release tapered with the film removing more violent and lesbian scenes as horror in American was intended for young audience where in Europe, horror is meant for adults.

The film flopped on its initial release but is now considered a horror classic with its original three stories such as The Telephone, The Wardulak and A Drop of Water considered some of the best stories committed to film.

The group Black Sabbath will take their name from this film.

The Literary License Podcast will be reviewing the Italian release.

We are also joined by writer and producer Joe (Caesar and Otto Deadly Christmas) Randazzo. You can following Joe through:

Twitter: joe_randazzo

Instagram: joerandazzo624

And Rondo 2020 award winner Rod Labbe.

Opening Credits (.53); Introduction (1.10); Story Geek (23.40); Forming the Plot (28.49); Film Trailer (31.06); Lights, Camera, Action (33.29); Epilogue (1:31.28); End Credits (1:40.14); Closing Credits (1:41.21)

Opening and Closing Credits - Thank you from Purple Planet Music for our Opening Credits.

Dark Shadows - November 1967

Episode 353 - 374

A seance is held and Victoria is transported to 1795. The Barnabas origin story begins. Angelique is in love with Barnabas and will not let Josette stand in the way. Angelique practices witchcraft and will let no one or nothing stand in her way.

Opening Credits; Introduction (1.08); Story Geek Videos To Watch From Home (7.00); Out of the Shadows (9.35); Into The Shadows (24.56); Shedding Some Light (33.43); Character Breaks (1:44.52);); Morning Has Broken (1:56.02); Tune In Next Time (2:04.36); Closing Credits (2:06.11)

Opening and Closing Credits – Dark Shadows Theme – by Robert Cobert

All Songs Available on Amazon

Book: The Passionate Bride (1941)

by Thorne Smith

Film: I Married A Witch (1942)

Directed by Rene Clair and starring Fredric March, Veronica Lake, Susan Hayward and Cecil Kellaway, the film would be the basis for the hit 1960's television programme Bewitched.

Based on the book by Thorne Smith who also wrote the very popular Topper book which was also made into a successful film and television show, he would die before finishing the book. The book was posthumously finished by Norman M Matson.

The comedic film plays for laughs and is a social commentary of the times, unfortunately there was alot of trouble on the set as no one seemed to get along. Now that is what we call acting.

Opening Credits; Introduction (.36); Forming the Plot (12.02); Film Short (44.17); Story Geeks – What to Watch This Week (45.07); Film Trailer (48.39); Lights, Camera, Action (50.08); Epilogue (1:17.15); End Credits (1:22.52); Closing Credits (1:24.29)

Opening Credits– Theme Song from Bewitched Television Show by Jack Keller

Closing Credits – Closing Credits from Bewitched Television Show by Jack Keller

September 2019

It Might Be Catching

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The film stars Joel Edgerton, Carmen Ejogo, Christopher Abbott, Kelvin Harrison Jr and Riley Keough.

October 2019

Revenge is Sweet

November 2019

Insane of the Membrane

Closing Credits – Ciao! – by The Beautiful South – Taken from the album Gold Diggas, Head Nodders & Pholk Songs

December 2019

The Art of Making Art

January 2020

The Spirit of Love

February 2020

You're My Obsession

March 2020

Guilty Is What Guilty Does

April 2020

Elementary, My Dear

May 2020

Death is the End?

June 2020

The Final Countdown

July 2020

What's the Story

August 2020

It's All An Anthology Game