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Creepy Classics & Monster Bash News It's our latest offerings, and a look ahead at cool classic monster, horror, & science fiction releases. Celebrate the classic horror and science fiction films & retro TV from the silent era through the 1970s. Can't remember the title of a movie? Here's the place to ask. Want to reminisce about childhood monster movie memories? Ask questions about the Monster Bash Classic Movie Conferences. Just e-mail your message to: creepyclassics@creepyclassics.com.

THE CREEPY CLASSICS &
MONSTER BASH NEWS

In business since 1993 - On the web since 1996

29 Creepy Years

Did you grow up in the 1950s-1980s listening to pop radio? Well, it's back, small town classic radio. CLICK AND LISTEN WHILE YOU READ!

Friday April 16 - Monday April 19, 2021

TODAY'S MONSTER BASH PHAN FOTO: A very creepy scene from the film BURN WITCH BURN (1962) where illusion, magic and reality collide. Get it on factory sealed Blu-Ray or DVD here at Creepy Classics.

Get all your favorite monster movies on Blu-Ray or DVD here at Creepy Classics. Come in a shop around for all the classic horror and science fiction collectibles here at Creepy Classics.

Note: If you made reservations at the Double Tree Hotel in Mars, PA for the June 18th weekend MONSTER BASH, you'll need to cancel. The original show was to be on that weekend. The hotel is projected still not to be able to do a full MONSTER BASH gathering yet. As soon as we can get back at the Double Tree, we will announce it on this page. In the meantime we are doing a drive-in MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS on June 11-12, 2021.

Click HERE and start browsing the greatest store for classic horror and classic science fiction.

Creepy Connections:

All the Noose That's Fit To Post

Creepy Classics/Monster Bash is in operation, shipping daily!

MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS UPDATE!

More feature films have been added...in addition to these you can expect the two nights to be packed with short features, Three Stooges, Our Gang shorts, cartoons and serial chapters and those great intermission drive-in ads! A retro blast for all classic monster movie fans.

Serious MONSTER BASHERS are signing up from across the country to converge at MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS. Join your brother and sister Monster Kids at The Riverside Drive-In, Vandergrift, PA on June 11-12, 2021. Fans already signed up are coming from Michigan, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Illinois, New York, Virginia, West Virginia and, of course, from all over Pennsylvania. All day there will be shopping with collectible vendors, contests for $100 shopping sprees, the live Bash Boys band performing, free Saturday evening cake and movies deep into the night, both nights. Camping available at the drive-in.

Here are features you can see on the GIANT drive-in scream:

I MARRIED A MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE, The Original THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, REVENGE OF THE CREATURE, THING ISLAND EARTH and THE THING THAT COULDN'T DIE!

If you've never seen these on a giant drive-in screen...this may be your only chance, under the stars with hundreds of other fans!

A marathon of 1950s horror and science fiction on a 50 foot drive-in scream...screen!

Details are HERE. Discounted advance VIP membership admission, HERE!

The schedule page up soon at www.monsterbash.us.

R.I.P. Dear Felix

One of our great MONSTER BASH alumni has passed away. Felix Silla was a Bash guest twice and we would have had him again in a minute. Sadly, there are no more minutes. We'll miss you Cousin Itt, Felix Silla. Here's our official obit from writer Leonard Hayhurst:

Little Person actor Felix Silla died April 16, 2021, of pancreatic cancer, according to the Hollywood Reporter. He was 84. Silla was born Jan. 11, 1937, in Roccacasale, Italy.

He was best known for playing Cousin Itt on the ADDAMS FAMILY television series from 1964 to 1966 and Twiki the Robot on BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY from 1979 to 1981. He also played a hang gliding Ewok in 1983’s EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. He scared us as one of the evil troll monsters in DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK.

Due to his small size, just under four feet tall, Silla often doubled for children in movies and television programs doing stunt work. This included THE TOWERING INFERNO, THE HINDENBURG and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA.

Silla often said his favorite role was that of Litvak, menacing George Segal in 1975’s THE BLACK BIRD, a sequel to THE MALTESE FALCON.

Other movies included SHE FREAK, POINT BLANK, PLANET OF THE APES, SSSSSSS, MASTERMIND, DEMON SEED, THE KENTUCKY FRIED MOVIE, THE BROOD, UNDER THE RAINBOW, THE STING II, MEATBALLS PART II, HOUSE, SPACEBALLS and BATMAN RETURNS. Plus, stunts in INDIAN JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM, THE MONSTER SQUAD and more.

Re-Shocked! The VINCENT PRICE COLLECTION 5 Movie DVD Set

There's no actor that seemed to have so much fun in films and still came off as a total class act...Vincent Price. Get this great collection of five feature films today for hours of fright and fun:

VINCENT PRICE COLLECTION (5 Features) - DVD Set
The Master of Menace...Vincent Price! Five feature films included: THE BAT (1959), THE LAST MAN ON EARTH (1964), THE JACKALS (1967), SHOCK (1946) and the classic HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL (1958). Over six house of powerful Price performances!

Get this collection in our Complete DVD Catalog on-line to chill your spine at Creepy Classics.

In Stock NOW --- DOCTOR X and ISLE OF THE DEAD on Blu-Ray

Yes, they are here and ready to ship out to you! It's two classic horrors that have been anxiously awaited for on Blu-Ray:

DOCTOR X (1932) - Blu-Ray
Early color film. Lionel Atwill and Fay Wray! Terrible murders in a house full of nutty research doctors. Some hideous monster made of "synthetic flesh" is on a rampage at night when the moon is out. Very cool classic horror! Includes RARE black and white different version. Plus loads of extras.

ISLE OF THE DEAD (1945) - Blu-Ray
Stars Boris Karloff, Ellen Drew, Marc Cramer, Jason Robards Sr., Katherine Emery and Skeleton Knaggs. A group of travelers are quarantined on an island during warfare. Overseeing the quarantine is hard-edged military man Karloff. Even Karloff begins to crack-up as it seems the undead are rising in the form of vampires. Fear and suspicion turn amongst the isolated group of people. Some tremendously terrifying scenes. My favorite is the scene of a mausoleum....you hear just the dripping of water on stone, scraping and breaking of wood (a coffin from within) and a scream. Commentary by film historian Steve Haberman, trailer.

Get them now in our New Blu-Ray Department at your monster headquarters, Creepy Classics!

By the way...the DOCTOR X Blu-Ray features that alternate Black and White version with some different dialogue and different camera angles...well, I watched it and wow! It's from a super clean print too, photo from my TV screen here:

A not from a Creepy Classics/Monster Bash reader:

Hey, Ron!

Just ordered the blu-ray of "Doctor X" -- I have been waiting forever for the release of this movie in a decent format!

Doctor X is a true "forgotten movie" -- violent and terrifying FAR beyond it's time and a testament to Lionel Atwill's immense talent. To this day, the frenetic climax can still terrify the oldest of Monster Kids among us.

Can't wait to watch it in the blu-ray format -- thanks, Ron!

Best,

Steve Beai
Pueblo West, CO

Back In Shock! Back Issues of MAD SCIENTIST Magazine

Get the above issues of MAD SCIENTIST magazine and other issues as well, just behind our mad lab door, in the MAD SCIENTIST Department at Creepy Classics. Start collecting this great mag today!

New! Collectible BETA Tapes

Now loaded in our Collectibles Department:

DRACULA (1931/Not VHS) - Used BETA Tape
NOT a VHS....the early Beta collectible format. In like new condition. A sheer classic. Critics gripe about the staginess and slow moving story....but without those elements it would lose an unworldly ambiance that I love. It may be slow in development at the beginning, but it's not boring. The actors are believable and the whole film can put you in a trance of uneasiness. Frye as Renfield is electric, Chandler is beautiful and frail as the Count's victim, Manners is frustrated and righteous, Sloan as Van Helsing is the quintessential hope that we look to....and Bela Lugosi became an icon stamped in the minds of movie-goers forever with this film

FRANKENSTEIN (1931/Not a VHS) - Used Beta Tape
NOT a VHS....the early Beta collectible format. In like new condition. Boris Karloff's name would never be forgotten after this classic from director James Whale. The fully restored version from Universal. Fritz, Fritz...stay away from that criminal brain....oh, no leave it alone, Fritz. Leave it alone.

Get these from our Universal Monsters Department here at Creepy Classics for your BETA collection!

Bizarro Goes To the Black Lagoon

Always nice to see the classic monsters still popping up in mainstream comics! This above great Bizarro panel submitted by super fan in Canada, Paul Speidel. Thanks, Paul!

Where Was Ron Yesterday? Monster Bash Magazine #42 is Coming

Yesterday I took the day off of posting here because I was wrapping up (just like Kharis) the latest issue of MONSTER BASH magazine. #42 will be here before you know it! This issue is really, really packed with great stuff. Stay tuned right here to know the second it's in from the printer. YOU'LL GET A KICK OUT OF IT when YOU SEE IT!

Coming soon, it's MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE #42. Production just finishing up.

The magazine sports a zapped-out cover by the great Daniel Horne and articles on Ray Milland, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, the original slugfest between KING KONG and GODZILLA, your monster movie flashbacks...and more, more, more.
Get back issues, CLICK HERE!

Wear Your Button, If You're A Member!

Just a reminder that if you're coming to MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS this June...

Wear your club button if you're a member of the MONSTER BASH CREEPY CLUB and get a free t-shirt from Creepy Classics in the concession building!

We want to see yo there. Save money and order your 2-Day admission pass now, CLICK HERE.

P.S. Thanks to Dave Heywood for sending this great photo (above).

New! Rare and Out-Of-Print DVDs in Our Used DVD Department

Check out these great titles, available right now, many hard-to-find ones:

THE ABOMINABLE SNOWMAN (1957) - Used DVD
Stars Peter Cushing, Forrest Tucker and Maureen Connell. Peter Cushing and Forrest Tucker search the highlands for the infamous beastie. Cushing is doing it for science and Tucker is doing it for fame and fortune as he plans to catch and exploit the creature. Intense and sharply acted. Many British films of the time seem rather slow, but this never loses your attention. It almost seems like an English version of THE THING (1951); Isolation and a monster, lurking out there in the blinding snow. High production values with Val Guest directing for Hammer Studios. The best snowman movie made. Widescreen.

BLOOD OF FU MANCHU (1968) - Used DVD
Stars Christopher Lee. The insidious Fu Manchu is back at it. He has woman tortured and has their bloodstreams filled with fatal snake venom. He then sets them on their way to meet of with various world leaders. Ah, Fu Manchu was always the master of nasty stuff, bent on world conquest.

CAPTAIN KRONOS, VAMPIRE HUNTER (1974) - Used DVD
Stars Horst Janson, John Carson, Shane Briant and Caroline Munro. This has to be one of the top Hammer's of all time. A terrific blend of vampires and swashbuckling fun. A quiet-thoughtful young man and his Dr. Van Helsing-type assistant travel the countryside trying to put an end to the outbreak of vampires in old Europe. The beautiful Caroline Munroe tags along, creating a dynamic trio up against the hordes of the netherworld. Really great.

FACE OF FU MANCH (1965) - Used DVD
Christopher Lee's first portrayal of the nefarious evil genius - Fu Manchu. Thought executed, the madman re-surfaces with world domination his utmost goal. Directed by Don Sharp (KISS OF THE VAMPIRE, WITCHCRAFT) with Nigel Green, Joachim Fuchsberger and Karen Dor.

FLESH AND BLOOD (1997 Documentary) - Used DVD
Hosted by Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing! Explore the history of Hammer films. Includes interviews from just about everyone you can think of that starred in Hammer films: Rachel Welch, Veronica Carlson, Caroline Munro, Ingrid Pitt, Jimmy Sangster, Hazel Court, on and on!

FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL (1974) - Used DVD
Cushing is back as Baron Frankenstein with a beautiful mute female assistant. The monster is a bit Quasimodo looking (anyone that looks like Quasimodo is okay in my book!). He's portrayed by David Prowse (HORROR OF FRANKENSTEIN). Widescreen. Not the DVD-R.

ICONS OF HORROR: HAMMER FILMS (4 Movies) - Used DVD Set
For classic Hammer Films on a DVD set. Like new! Films: THE CURSE OF THE MUMMY'S TOMB (1964), SCREAM OF FEAR (1961), THE GORGON (1964) and THE TWO FACES OF DR. JEKYLL (1960).

ICONS OF SUSPENSE (6 Movie Set) - Used DVD
6 Thriller fro Hammer Studios. Stars include Peter Cushing and Oliver Reed. Movies: STOP ME BEFORE I KILL, CASH ON DEMAND, THE SNORKEL, MANIAC, NEVER TAKE CANDY FROM A STRANGER and THESE ARE THE DAMNED. Three disc set!

INNER SANCTUM MYSTERIES (6 Movies) - Used DVD Set
The great Inner Sanctum Series of Universal thrillers all starring Lon Chaney, Jr.: CALLING DR. DEATH, WEIRD WOMAN, DEAD MAN'S EYES, THE FROZEN GHOST, STRANGE CONFESSION and PILLOW OF DEATH.

LUST FOR A VAMPIRE (1971) - Used DVD
The Karnstein Castle is the place for evil vampire goings-on... A Hammer Horror involving the Carmilla legend. Female vampires with fangs bared storm a European village and an evil count lures young ladies to his castle. Stars Ralph Bates, Barbara Jefford and Suzanna Leigh. Rated R.

SHADOW OF THE CAT (1961) - All Region Used DVD
All region DVD. You need a multi-region player for it to play. A Hammer horror thriller! Stars Andre Morell, Barbara Shelley and Freda Jackson. A murder plot is witnessed by a pet cat. Is the cat supernatural?, it seems out for vengeance for its murdered master.

VENGEANCE OF FU MANCHU (1967) - Used DVD
Fu Manchu (Christopher Lee) is back to face Scotland Yard rival Nayland Smith. This time Manchu is cloning his enemies to destroy them! Look out....is that you on the streets! Fu Manchu will never tire until he has complete world domination.

ZORRO'S BLACK WHIP (1944/Complete Serial) - Used DVD Set
A two DVD set of the complete serial starring Linda Stirling. A newspaper editor, Barbara Meredith (Linda Stirling) is the masked avenger "The Black Whip." She teams up with a federal agent to stop an evil group that plans to keep wild Idaho from becoming part of the Union.

Get these above titles and scores more in our Used DVD Department, here at your house of monsters....Creepy Classics!

Updates! MONSTER BASH Summer 2021 at The Riverside Drive-In, Vandergrift, PA (north east of Pittsburgh)

We still are unable to hold a large MONSTER BASH in a hotel, but that's not stopping us! We're going under the stars for this June. At least we can get together with all our MONSTER BASH friends and family...with festive fun. We're doing it up 1950s Flashback style with MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS at The Riverside Drive-In in Vandergrift, PA.

Get your admission membership now! CLICK HERE.

MONSTER BASH events all day, prize giveaways, free stuff, the traditional MONSTER BASH free cake. Giant sheet cakes for attendees while supplies last on Saturday evening. Two solid days of MONSTER BASHING fun.

Events all day, movies on the giant screen all night!

Friday and Saturday...both days Noon-2AM.

Want to camp at the drive-in and save on hotel costs? Tent or stay in your vehicle. It's only $20 a night and you get an all you can eat hot breakfast of eggs, home fries and pancakes! Call The Riverside Drive-In (or email) for more details: (724) 568-1250 or email riversidedi@yahoo.com.

We'll have a full slate of 1950s monster movies both nights. Schedule coming soon. Inside the concession building, shop thousands of monster blu-rays, DVDs, monster magazines, monster t-shirts, monster models, toys and collectibles. During the day, all your favorite Bash events and new shopping spree contests! Music mini-concerts by The Bash Boys, Writer Frank Dello Stritto premiering his new book on Kharis, The Mummy. Creepy Classics in the concession building with thousamds of classic monster Blu-Rays, DVDs, magazines, monster tee-shirts and more vendors outside in tents too!

Don't want to leave MONSTER BASH that weekend? The drive-in offers camping with your tent, or in your car for $20 a night. Plus, you get a full, hot big BASHIN' breakfast with eggs and the works in the morning.

Don't miss the BASH event for summer 2021!

All the details at www.monsterbash.us

Sign-Up Now, Reserve Your Membership Admission for 48 hours of Monster Movie Heaven with friends:

CLICK HERE!

See all the fun with The Riverside Drive-In:

In ghoulish person: Ohio TV Horror Host Legend: SON OF GHOUL! Plus, film historian Frank Dello Stritto signing his new book on the Universal Kharis legacy, THE PASSION OF THE MUMMY. And....writer Brad Braddock will be joining us too with his books!

Photo of A Serious Monster Collector

Above is a photo of Fred Leaming from Iowa. In the heart of the country is the heart of a true Monster Kid. Here's a peek at some of Fred's Collection:

To see more of Fred's colection CLICK HERE. And check out our Collection Gallery at Creepy Classics.

Re-Stocked! Direct From the Universal Horror Vault

Two of the lesser known films that are now in the Universal Vault of horror films, THE MYSTERY OF MARIE ROGET (1942) and the Paramount production (know owned by Universal) THE MONSTER AND THE GIRL (1941). Get these both, ready to ship to your shelf of Universal horrors:

THE MYSTERY OF MARIE ROGET (1942) - DVD
Stars Patrick Knowles, Maria Montez and Maria Ouspenskaya. Very loosely based on an Edgar Allan Poe detective story. A singer is found murdered and there's a cloaked phantom running the rooftops!

THE MONSTER AND THE GIRL (1941) - DVD
Nothing like a good brain-swapping/ape on the loose/mad doctor/gangster/white slavery movie...this one's got it all. George Zucco is the mad doctor. A stunning performance by Charles Gemora, the best gorilla-man perormance ever!

Get these creepy gems for you collection in our Complete DVD Catalog here at Creepy Classics...they're ready to creep into your house!

Re-Shocked And Ready To Swim To You! It's CREATURE FEATURE: 60 YEARS OF THE GILLMAN Documentary

The popular documentary all about the CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON is back in stock at Creepy Classics on Blu-Ray:

CREATURE FEATURE: 60 YEARS OF THE GILLMAN (2015) - Blu-Ray
Feature length! the most comprehensive documentary on the CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON. The movies, the merchandising, the stars, the legend...they're all here! Interviews with Ben Chapman, Julie Adams and more. Bonus: Abbott and Costello Colgate Comedy Hour with the Creature and loads more!

Get it now at Creepy Classics from the Black Lagoon just outside our front door. Really...

New! Direct From Our Time Machine and 1973...the STAR TREK Blueprints

Here's a great, and very cool, collectible now available at Creepy Classics:

STAR TREK BLUEPRINTS (1973 Collectible) - Like New Collectible
Vintage 1973 Star Trek Authentic Blueprints Set-12 USS Enterprise 9"x30" w/case. Condition is "like new", without bends, tears, discoloration. Authentic blueprints of the fabulous starship ENTERPRISE. Description on case: "From the Bridge to Dr. McCoy's Sick Bay, from the Crew's Quarters to the Shuttlecraft Hangar, from the Photon Torpedo Bank to the Science Labs of Mr. Spock-every foot of every level of the Enterprise laid out to scale in exact detail!"

Get it in our Creepy Collectibles Department for your...collection!

Bash Boys Will Rock MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS This June

Our MONSTER BASH house band, The Bash Boys will perform Friday and Saturday at MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS during the late afternoon - open air concert! This show's line up will include Kevin Slick, Bob Pellegrino, Son of Ghoul, John Sargent, Joe Russell and guest vocals by Ursula and few others. www.monsterbash.us.

It's the 1950s Flashback...the movie, the songs and the drive-in vibe you will love.

Don't scare miss MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS at The Riverside Drive-In, Vandergrift, PA this June 11-12, 2021.

New! More Vintage FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND Magazines

Just scanned and put up some vintage FMs....maybe for YOUR collection! They're all in great shape, except #46 has some issues, but is a good reader copy. All others are real nice! Here are the ones just entered:

FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #46 - Used Magazine
Classic monster movie magazine produced by James Warren and Forrest J Ackerman. In this issue: VAMPIRE OF THE OPERA, Boris Karloff, THE MUMMY'S SHROUD and more. Note: One of the greatest issue, but a reader condition copy. Some tape on cover, coupon clipped from back cover, dog ears, pen marks on coupon.

FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #54 - Magazine
The classic monster movie magazine produced by James Warren and Forrest J Ackerman. Inside this issue: The Prehistoric Story - Dinosaur Movies, INVASION OF THE VAMPIRES, KING KONG Returns, You Axed For It, Lon Chaney Talks To You, DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, more. Like new, just usual page tanning.

FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #56 - Magazine
The classic monster movie magazine produced by James Warren and Forrest J Ackerman. In this issue: probably the most loved issue of FM - the tribute to Boris Karloff issue! Comments on Karloff;s death from Christopher Lee, Elsa Lanchester, Vincent Price, Lon Chaney. Only the slightest wear.

FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #59 - Magazine
The classic monster movie magazine from James Warren and Forrest J Ackerman. Inside this issue: All About Barnabas Collins from DARK SHADOWS, FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED with Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee in DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE, Carroll Borland. Just slight cover wear, nice!

FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND 1968 YEARBOOK (Good) - Magazine
The 1968 yearbook of the classic monster movie magazine from James Warren and Forrest J Ackerman. Very good condition, slightest wear. Inside this fearbook issue (it is "BEST ISSUE EVER!"): The Frankenstein Story, The Scream Test, Mummy Movies, KING KONG, Alice in Monsterland and more.

Get the above FMs and many more in our FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND Department inside our on-line Creepy Magazine Newsstand here at Creepy Classics.

New! FATE Magazine on Vampires & Weird Stuff

This magazine has been around since 1948 digging up the strangest news stories and findings. This 2015 issue features some creepy stuff:

FATE #728 - Digest Magazine
he magazine of reports on the strange and unknown. This magazine has been around since 1948 with paranormal and odd news stories. In this 2015 issue: Real Vampires, Biblical Monsters and Reptilian Aliens. 119 pages of amazing accounts with loads of photos and illustrations.

Get this and other very interesting publications in our Miscellaneous Magazines Department at Creepy Classics.

New! Rare Unused Advertising Mat for WAR-GODS OF THE DEEP

What is this? I'm just learning about them. Very rare advertising mats were sent to newspapers and magazines as art for upcoming movies or current run ads. This one is for the Vincent Price film WAR-GODS OF THE DEEP in 1965. Read on:

WAR-GODS OF THE DEEP (1965 Original Unused Ad Mat) - Collectible
Original unused newspaper ad mat mold for WAR-GODS OF THE DEEP (1965)! These were used by newspapers to set ads. At first glance you don't see the amazing detail. When held to the light all the detail is revealed. Lead was pouring into these to make plates for printing. Very rare! 8x10 inch.

Get it in our Creepy Collectibles Department here at Creepy Classics!

Hair of the Wolf!

This cool collectible just entered the collection of super fan, Malcolm Gittins. Here's what Malcolm had to say:

Dear Ron, I just wanted to share the newest and one of the most coolest pieces in my collection! The actual fur of The Wolf Man!

I just hope nothing happens next full moon!

See you all soon,
Malcolm

Malcolm will be appearing at MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS! We hope to see you there too. Thanks for hairing, I mean sharing, Malcolm.

Rondo Remembers: The Monster Flip

If you were born before you could record off TV for viewing later...I think you may just relate to "The Monster Flip!"

In the days before digital recording from your cable provider, before recordable DVD, before recordable VHS tapes...we were at the mercy of TV stations. And, their scheduling. Not only did it make a monster movie viewing more important (you might not see it again for years!), it made them sometimes...more frustrating! That's where "The Monster Flip" comes in.

Here I was in the late 1960s and 1970s with early cable. Off air we got three stations or so. On this early cable we got...get this, eight channels! Eight channels clear. The good thing was that three of them were from New York City: 5, 9 and 11. They were not network affiliates and played a lot of classic movies, a lot. I got a steady diet of The Marx Brothers, Abbott & Costello and...monster movies.

Now Saturday nights were super special. The very best monster movies played at 8:30PM. The problem was TWO stations played them at 8:30PM. Channel 5 had CREATURE FEATURE, playing many of the Universal films as well as things like the INDESTRUCTIBLE MAN, HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL and HORROR HOTEL. All great stuff. But, at the same time channel 11 has CHILLER THEATRE. They played a lot of AIP classics like I WAS A TEENAGE WEREWOLF, TEENAGE FRANKENSTEIN, IT CONQUERED THE WORLD, ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN, FRANKENSTEIN'S DAUGHTER and others. What to do?

Well, I had to pick one to REALLY watch. Then I would masterfully engage "The Monster Flip." During a commercial break on the primary movie that night, I would flip to the other channel to, at least, catch a few minutes of the other film. Then quickly dial that knob back to the primary movie of the night. I could occasionally catch a scary moment or monster on that secondary film.

On a few occasions I'd get scolded, "your going to break that dial!" So I would as gently as possible switch back and fourth utilizing "The Monster Flip." Flipping channels back-and-fourth to see one film and some of an another.

Obsessed? Well....ah, yeah, I guess so.

Ron Adams
Ligonier, PA
April 2021

Hi, Ron:

To a certain degree, every Monster Kid knew the “Monster Flip.” And every parent scolded us for clicking that dial WAAAY too rapidly. But there were so many options... especially on a Friday and Saturday night.

I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s in a Boston suburb, plus I lived on a high hill, which turned my TV aerial into a SUPER receiver! With 9 Boston stations, 1 from Worcester, 2 from Providence, RI and 1 from New Hampshire, there was NEVER a shortage of things to watch or monster movies to switch to. And the first time I heard the terms “cable” or “pay TV,” I was astounded that someone would actually pay to watch. But then, not everyone was as blessed as me to have such a plethora of stations to tune to. I had relatives in North Carolina who got 2 channels... 3 on a really good day. Growing up as a Monster Kid in Boston was perfection and I’ve been grateful for that my entire life.

Beast Wishes,

-Jonathan Murphy, Wellington, FL

Along with the Monster Flip there was also the practice of watching TV with one hand on the channel dial and the other hand over your eyes; leaving you just enough vision to see when you would be scared enough to change the channel.
I used this technique to good use when I was ten and watching "Island of Terror" for the first time...

-Kevin Browne, Fountain Valley, CA

Hello Ron,

Ha Ha I certainly do remember the "Flip" and being told the same thing by My Parents!

The one occasion that really stands out for Me was GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN on CREATURE FEATURES (Oakland CA with Bob Wilkins) and PSYCHO on another channel.

My Mom had told me how scary PSYCHO was and it was understood that it was "Forbidden Fruit", but Parents were having a Party downstairs and I really couldn't resist. Keeping one ear open, I switched back and forth and came upon the "Shower Scene" . Afterwards, I decided it was less scary to stay in Vasaria.

Hope everyone doing well.
Steve Schimming
Sanbornton, NH

Hi Ron,

Yes, I totally relate to the "Monster Flip" dilemma. I think I usually kept to just one movie, but why not switch during the commercials? I think I usually landed on "Chiller." In any case, that "Chiller" clay hand bumper is permanently burned into my brain. And yours, I'm sure.

Do you remember if there wasn't also a monster movie shown later on Saturday nights? Like 11 pm? I seem to recall that, but it could be a false memory. I remember suffering through earlier shows waiting for the monster movie to start - after the New York local news hour on WNEW 5 and WOR 9. I don't remember if Channel 11 (WPIX) had news...

Seeing those films when we were that age - those WERE the days...

Bruce Guerney, France

Bruce: Channel 9 out of New York had a feature, sometime double feature on late Saturday nights. The showcase was called at one point "Tales of Terror," and more commonly over the years as "Fright Night." Frequently playing European scares like Barbara Steele or obscure Christopher Lee films...in particular I remember the Italian SLAUGHTER OF THE VAMPIRES (what a great title for an eleven year old). -Ron

I "flipped" as well.  At least going from 9 to 11 and vice versa wasn't too far on the dial.  Those were the magic #'s back in the day, 5, 9, and 11 out of NYC.   I miss the "event" feel of getting to see some of those showings for the 1st time on TV, as now you can just go on YouTube and see almost anything.  WOR showed the most stuff as one of their programmers was Chris Steinbrunner who wrote the The Cinema of the Fantastic book, so we had a fan planted right there in WOR.  Thank God for those NYC channels. 

Nick Pocengal, Florida

First Outing of The Year!

Get ready to head out and join us for the APRIL GHOULS DRIVE-IN MONSTER-RAMA. Here are the details:

APRIL GHOUL'S MONSTER RAMA - Riverside Drive-In, Vandergrift, PA. April 23-24, 2021. George Reis and DVD Drive-In present the SUPER MONSTER-RAMA at the drive-in! Creepy Classics/Monster Bash will be there as well as our friends from Time Bomb Toys! Here's their site - CLICK HERE. We'll see you there for two nights of terror!!! The drive-in is offering overnight camping, parking with a free hot big Bash-size breakfast. Click here for other lodging options.

On-Line Tickets available right now for this show, CLICK HERE!

Dig in and rock with DVD Drive-In, Creepy Classics and Monster Bash at The Riverside Drive-In, Vandergrift, PA. You friendly fiends are looking forward to seeing you!

It's HERE, the Latest....MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE #41

Get your latest issue here bagged and boarded for protection in our MONSTER BASH Magazine Department here at Creepy Classics:

MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE #41 - Magazine
We DARE you to read about...The Monsters...movie monsters that is. Articles on the "Death by Fright" gimmicks, Lon Chaney Jr.'s Wolf Man, Universal's Monster Villages, INVADERS FROM MARS and more. Writers include Tom Weaver, Frank Dello Stritto, Bruce Tinkel, Ron Adams. Cover art by Basil Gogos.

We dare you to get this in our MONSTER BASH Magazine Department. We double-dare you to find it in our Creepy Classics Magazine Newsstand, we triple-dog dare you to order yours now for immediate shipping from Creepy Classics.

Here's a sample page to give you peek inside:

Premiere Book Signing at MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS! Frank Dello Stritto's Latest

The new book by Frank Dello Stritto will be at MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS and Frank will be there to get you a signed copy. Above right Linda and Frank Dello Stritto. Frank is one of the most respect historians and writers on classic horror films. And, always innovative and fun with his writing style. Here are the details on the anticipated new, great book from Frank:

THE PASSION OF THE MUMMY. Four 1940s movies popularized Kharis’ legend, but cover only a small part on his 3,000 year existence. Kharis’ incredible life might have been forever unknown but for the unnamed narrator of this book. As a boy on a class trip to The Scripps Museum of Manhattan, he stood before the dormant mummy. Thoughts and memories transferred between the two. Their intimacy attracted notice from another  dormant force. The Cult of Karnak-Arkham tended Kharis through the centuries. His possible resurrection rekindled hope in the Cult that it might learn his final secret: the magic chant from the lost Scroll of Thoth that bestows eternal life and youth. The Cult lurked behind the narrator’s life, and led him through an uncanny world populated by immortals who walk among us. 

See Frank, Linda and all your friends at MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS this June.

It's Happening, Monster Bashers Reunite!

Coming this June, it's MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS at The Riverside Drive-In June 11-12, 2021. Vandergrift, PA...north east of Pirrsburgh on Route 66! Click here to see the trailer! Events and shopping vendors all day. Movies running at night will be announced soon! Expect fun 1950s horror and science fiction, plus shorts, cartoons and drive-in intermission features.

Get your Monster Bash kicks...on Route 66!

Thanks to Basher Kevin Slick for putting the preview trailer together and Scott Goettel for voicing it.

MONSTER BASH is for MONSTER KIDS everywhere of every age!

Make Sure You're Caught Up On Your MONSTER BASH Magazine Collection!

Do you have all of these?

The ultimate classic monster movie magazine! Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, Creature From the Black Lagoon, King Kong, The Phantom of the Opera, Mr. Hyde...they're all here, at home in MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE.

Collect them all....Click Here to get them right from the publisher (us!), new glossy mags shipped bagged and boarded for protection to you!

All at Creepy Classics, right now!

MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS Welcomes Award Winning Fan Artist

Artist Malcolm Gittins will be setting up at MONSTER BASH UNDER THE STARS with a huge array of prints, t-shirts and original art for classic horror fans! Get your monster wear from Malcolm and he's always happy to talk....well, monster movies, with all us fellow fans.

Here's what Malcolm wrote us recently:

Dear Ron, Its hard to believe, but 20 years ago this month I set up at my first convention! which happened to be the late Pittsburgh Comicon. Which I did for 10 years! I did the first Zombie Fest, the first Horror Realm. Then I started setting up at Monster Bash, and for the last 10 years the Bash has become the exclusive home for my classic monster art!

I will have something special and will be celebrating at my booth!

P.S. I love painting those crazy 1950's monster makeups! they leave so much for me to imagine colors and details!

See you all at the drive-in! -Malcolm

A Virtual Visit to Creepy Classics:

Above, a recent visit to Creepy Classics!

Two videos shot by Kevin Slick from Louisville, Colorado on a visit.

Creepy Classics Video

Get all your favorite creeps on DVD for viewing at Creepy Classics!	P.O. Box 23, Ligonier, PA 15658 Call (724) 238-4317 Questions? e-mail: creepyclassics@creepyclassics.com	Get all your favorite creeps on DVD for viewing at Creepy Classics!