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.
TODAY'S MONSTER BASH PHAN FOTO: It's December and the holiday shopping season is in full swing. Boris and Bela are loading up for Monster Kids all over the world. Welcome home to 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.
Click HERE and start browsing the greatest store for classic horror and classic science fiction.
Creepy Classics/Monster Bash is in operation, shipping daily!
New! VAMPIRESS CARMILLA #7 Horror Magazine
She just flew in from the wilds of Transyvania....it's Vampiress Carmilla and her latest magazine of illustrated horror stories:
VAMPIRESS CARMILLA #7 - Magazine
A vintage-styled classic black and white horror comic magazine! Great art and great creepy stories like Skeleton Crew, The Dragon Riders of Ganymede, My Brother's Creeper, The Lung and Short of It and more. Fantastic cover by the great Jeff Jones.
Rather than looking back at all the Christmases of the past, or a sweeping memory of shopping, or all the stuff under the tree...I'm taking a small moment. I think we all had these small moments, little slivers of time that meant...and mean so much to us. A scant few minutes that were so perfect that we would remember them all the Christmas times of our lives. Simple, but somehow profound.
It was probably 1973 or 1974 and we were at one of my grandparent's houses. My grandfather took me down stairs to the lower basement level and he wanted to give me two gifts early, but didn't want the other kids to see me, alone, getting stuff early. I think he wanted to see my reaction to them outside of the hustle and bustle. He knew he had nailed it for me. He gave me a paperback book called HORROR IN THE CINEMA. I had never seen it before. There weren't many books at stores on horror and monster movies. I was beside myself. Something that made my FAMOUS MONSTERS reading legitimate. This was a serious book on these movies I loved.
Then, there in the dim light, at the bottom of the steps, he unveiled it. A Frankenstein monster toy. He pressed the little red button and the thing came to life! It moved it's arms, then suddenly it's pants dropped, revealing funny striped boxer shorts. It's face suddenly glowed red! He and I looked at each other and just laughed and laughed. A moment I will never forget. I was to leave the battery powered Frankenstein downstairs till morning, but I could take the book upstairs with me.
As people, all the parents, sister, grandparents and cousins went to bedrooms, I stayed in the living room. The "davenport" (what my grandparents always called their sofa) was my bed. I sat there alone in the living room, the Christmas tree lights on, and a small glass lamp at the head of the sofa. I sat there in the warm glow and slowly paged through the wonderful new book.
My grandfather made my Christmas. He knew, indeed, what this kid liked. And what means so much now, years after he's passed away is the thought that maybe I made his Christmas too with my reaction of joy to those early Christmas Eve gifts.
I hope you have Christmas memories like that too.
Ron Adams
Ligonier, PA
December 2021
What a great story, Ron. Those books were such treasure troves for us back then and to get one for Christmas, wow! The Frankenstein dropping his pants toy, I know I saw that in a film I viewed within the last few years, possibly Frankenstein and Me or Matinee, I can't remember, but I know I saw that "in action" in some film.
NIck Pocengal, FL
Thank you Ron, for this WONDERFUL story. What a blessing you are, to so many. You are as treasured as the classic movies & memories that live in our hearts.
Your friend & fan . . . Dan W., PA
New and Re-Stocked! It's the Books You Will Love
We are proud to have just added the amazing Beverly Washburn autobiography REEL TEARS with a real look behind the scenes, growing up in Hollywood. She has the stories about all our favorite actors and actresses. We've re-stocked on the great TV horror lend book on Zacherley, THE Z-FILES. Plus, The Fay Wray story by her daughter, Victoria in A HOLLYWOOD MEMOIR. These would be great under your tree:
REEL TEARS (The Beverly Washburn Story) - Book
The actress that can cry on cue! She was in everything and worked with everyone in Hollywood! She appeared in OLD YELLER, SPIDER BABY, SUPERMAN AND THE MOLE MEN...and sooo much more. Personal stories and photos. From Lon Chaney to Tony Dow, Jack Benny, Lou Costello..the real stories. 377 pages.
Z-FILES - TREASURES FROM ZACHERLEY'S ARCHIVES - Book
The massive volume of legendary TV horror host - Zacherley compiled by his close friend Rich Scrivani with Tom Weaver. Vintage newspaper and magazine articles, handwritten notes, scripts, correspondence, scores of scary rare stills! A must for all horror host fans and Zach followers!
FAY WRAY & ROBERT RISIN: HOLLYWOOD MEMOIR - Hardcover Book
Get the amazing biography FAY WRAY AND ROBERT RISKIN - A HOLLYWOOD MEMOIR. Robert, Fay's husband was also in the business, a screenwriter with credits like MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE, IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT, LOST HORIZON and many more. The book, by their daughter Victoria Riskin, is an amazing inside story on the lives of Fay Wray and Robert Riskin. A 397 page hardback packed with stories, Hollywood history and stunning personal photos.
Get the above books and so many others that would be a interest to movie fans! They're in our on-line Creepy Bookstore here at Creepy Classics.
MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE 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?
Everyone's talking about MONSTER BASH! 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!
Above: Donald Woods on the left and Arch Hall, Jr. on the right.
Birthdays Remembered!
Monster Bash Reader Paul Speidel sent us this information:
Hi Ron,
December 2nd is Donald Woods' birthday. We monster kids may know him best as Cyrus Zorba, the dad in William Castle's 13 GHOSTS, but I just learned he also played the hitch-hiker in one of my favurite Christmas-themed short films STAR IN THE NIGHT (which also starred J. Caroll Naish). He was even in an episode of THRILLER!
...and Theron Statler reminded us:
Arch Hall, Jr., actor from EEGAH, WILD GUITAR, THE SADIST and more turned 78 years old on December 2. A MONSTER BASH CONFERENCE alumni and great guitar player too!
Back In Shock! Magic Image Filmbooks...
Here they are...and many more in our Magic Image Filmbook Department. Perfect for your batty bookshelf, or to give as a gift to a fellow monster boom generation kid. These are just some of the books now in stock:
FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN (1943) - Magic Image Filmbook
Everything you want to know about Universal's film FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN (1943). The shooting script, the advertising art, the photos, the publicity stills. Background production story by Greg Mank. Foreword by screenwriter Curt Siodmak. For the first time in its history, Universal Studios has opened its vaults and is allowing us to view these rare artifacts of film making. Previously seen only by the stars and technicians, we now have the opportunity to review the complete original shooting scripts from these classic motion pictures. Each book also contains the complete story of the making of the film, many rare behind-the-scenes photos, interviews with the people in front of and behind the camera, and complete pressbook.
ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN - Magic Image Filmbook
The Universal Filmscripts Series - Classic Comedy Vol. 1. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein Universal Pictures 75th Anniversary Edition 1915-1990. For the first time in history, Universal Studios has opened its vaults and is allowing us to view these rare artifacts of filmmaking. Previously seen only by the stars and technicians, we now have the opportunity to review the complete original shooting scripts from these classic motion pictures. Each book also contains the complete story of the making of the film, many rare behind-the-scenes photos, interviews with the people in front of and behind the camera, and complete pressbook. Production Background! Pressbook! Rare behind-the-scenes photographs! Biographical notes on the cast and crew!" I shall treasure my copy of the script, and many thanks for your splendid contribution to its preservation." ..Franklin Coen (screenplay author, This Island Earth)"I've been seeing Universal pictures since 1923. The Universal Filmscripts Series is unique, and a highly prized portion of my collection of 40,000 books." ...Forrest J. Ackerman "As they say in the Coming Attractions-'Don't Miss It!'"...Robert Bloch "The Ackerman Archives provide another treasure for posterity."...Ray Bradbury" A fascinating addition to magical movie lore."...Vincent Price.
DRACULA (1931) - Magic Image Filmbook
The companion to the classic DRACULA (1931) film! The original shooting script. Production history, rare photos! Special introduction by Bela Lugosi, Preface by Carla Laemmle. Just a treasure of history. Publicity art, info on stage version, Spanish version. One of the biggest editions.
RETURN OF FRANKENSTEIN (1935) - Magic Image Filmbook
This oversize softcover features the original shooting script from THE RETURN OF FRANKENSTEIN (1935) which later became THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN. Background information, history and interviews by Philip Riley. VERY Rare stills and publicity art.
THE WOLF MAN (1941) - Magic Image Filmbook
Magic Image Filmbook series from Philip Riley! This book features the original 1941 shooting script for THE WOLF MAN direct from the Universal vaults. Forward by WOLF MAN actress Evelyn Ankers, intro by writer Curt Siodmak. Photos, publicity art, background by Greg Mank, George Turner.
THE INVISIBLE MAN (1933/Claude Rains) - Magic Image Filmbook
By Gregory William Mank. The book includes the shooting script, pressbook and introduction by Jessica Rains "Anyone who cares about classic monster movies will find a treasure trove of information, rare photos, and meticulous detail." - Leonard Maltin.
HOUSE OF DRACULA (1945) - Magic Image Filmbook
Magic Image Filmbook series issue of HOUSE OF DRACULA! The 1945 classic monster rally with Lon Chaney, John Carradine, Glenn Strange and Jane Adams! The definitive source on the film. Includes: shooting script, history by Greg Mank, Intro by John Carradine, Jane Adams interview. Rare photos!
Get these and a lot other titles right now in our Magic Image Filmbook Department from Creepy Classics. These are the ultimate look at the classic films we love. Scripts, rare behind-the-scenes photos, advertising art, interviews and more. All really packed!
DARK SHADOWS Audio Novel (Victoria Winters) - CD
The original novel series from the cult classic Gothic soap opera. The Victoria Winters story. Terror shrouds the Collins House as Victoria finds herself prey of unexpected, mysterious strangers. Read by Kathryn Leigh Scott. MP3-CD.
This Barbara Steele triple feature Blu-Ray includes the remastered and restored NIGHTMARE CASTLE (1965). Plus a new HD transfer of TERROR CREATURES FROM THE GRAVE (1965). But, of the most interest to me is, finally, the English language version of CASTLE OF BLOOD (1964)...a rare HD U.S. print of that film. It's an amazing collection on Blu-Ray, now stocked in the sinister stacks here at Creepy Classics:
QUEEN OF HORROR (BARBARA STEELE TRIPLE FEATURE) - Blu-Ray
Three tales of Gothic horror, all starring the Queen of Horror - Barbara Steele. This Blu-Ray features NIGHTMARE CASTLE, CASTLE OF BLOOD and TERROR CREATURES FROM THE GRAVE. Lots of extras, two featurettes, commentary by Barbara Steele, interview with Steele, deleted scenes, loads of trailers.
Above: Mary and Madeleine Collinson from TWINS OF EVIL (1971). On the right, Arlene Dahl from JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (1854).
Movie Actresses Pass Away
The following sad news just in from MONSTER BASH magazine writer Leonard Hayhurst:
Actress and model Mary Collinson died Nov. 23, 2021, according to a Twitter post from actress and friend Judy Jarvis. Collinson was 69. She was born July 22, 1952, in Silema, Malta.
She and her twin, Madeleine Collinson starred in the 1971 Hammer film TWINS OF EVIL. Mary played the good twin, Maria, who must contend with her sister Frieda after being turned into a vampire.
The twins were also Playboy’s Playmates of the Month for October of 1970. It was the first time identical twins had the honor. Madeleine died in August 2014.
***
Actress Arlene Dahl died Nov. 29, 2021, in New York City, New York, according to Variety. She was 96. Dahl was born Aug. 11, 1925, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Dahl starred in 1959’s JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH with Pat Boone and James Mason. It was based on the book by Jules Verne. She played Carla, the wife of a deceased scientist who aids the characters played by Mason and Boone to find a mysterious civilization below the surface of the earth.
Dahl’s movies included THE BRIDE GOES WILD, A SOUTHERN YANKEE, REIGN OF TERROR, SCENE OF THE CRIME, AMBUSH, THE OUTRIDERS, THREE LITTLE WORDS, WATCH THE BIRDIE, CARIBBEAN GOLD, DESERT LEGION, JAMAICA RUN, HERE COME THE GIRLS, THE DIAMOND QUEEN, WOMAN’S WORLD, OPENING NIGHT, WICKED AS THEY COME and FORTUNE IS A WOMAN.
She was married to actors Lex Barker and Fernando Lamas and was the mother of actor Lorenzo Lamas. Dahl was considered one of the last surviving stars of Hollywood’s golden age.
MONSTER BASH June 2022 Hotel Room Update!
Now There Are Very Few Few Rooms Left in the Host Hotel! Get Yours for Bash Quick!!!
Hotel rooms are far exceeding what myself or my sales rep expected out of the box for the June 24-26, 2022 MONSTER BASH.
Double bed rooms are sold out....so if you want a room with a double, The Courtyard (owned by the same company) is a walk across the parking lot and they have rooms too at the Bash rate too. The host hotel still has King bedrooms (some with sofa pull-out bed) left at this point.
Another giant edition of this premiere behind-the-scenes, history of horror films...it's CANDID MONSTERS #13. Book-size publication from Ted Bohus...don't scare miss it, get your very own now:
CANDID MONSTERS #13 - Magazine Book
The giant-size magazine that's more of a book on the classic monsters you love! In depth, behind-the-scenes history on DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE (1931), THE DEVIL DOLL (1936) and FREAKS (1936). Interviews of stars and technicians from your favorites. Stunning behind the scenes photos. 140 pages.
We just added the DVD three disc set of Roger Corman films, restored from The Film Detective company, plus we are now re-stocked on DRACULA (1979) and the hard-to-find DRUMS OF FU MANCHU (1940) complete serial (YES, we have it!):
ROGER CORMAN COLLECTION (3 Films) - DVD
Three disc special edition of DEMENTIA 13 !963), A BUCKET OF BLOOD (1959) and THE TERROR (1963) starring Boris Karloff and Jack Nicholson.
DRACULA (1979) - DVD
The re-telling of a classic with atmosphere and style. Stars Frank Langella as the blood-thirsty count and Laurence Olivier as vampire-hunter Van Helsing. Extras include commentary by the director. Widescreen.
DRUMS OF FU MANCHU - Complete Serial (1940) - DVD
Stars Henry Brandon, William Royle, Robert Kellard and Gloria Franklin. The evil Fu Manchu is after the scepter of Genghis Khan and will stop at nothing to get it....and we mean nothing! 15 Chapter serial. DVD has photo gallery and commentary. 2 disc set.
Get the above pictured autographed photo of Victoria Vetri (known for Hammer Studio's WHEN DINOSAURS RULED THE EARTH) from Creepy Classics:
VICTORIA VETRI (Close-Up) - 8x10 Glossy Photo Autographed
Actress Victoria Vetri appeared at our MONSTER BASH Conference and Festival in October 2021. She graciously signed a few autographs for Creepy Classics. Only a few of this glossy photo, hand-signed by Victoria Vetri.
Ready for immediate shipping...Christmas Frankenstein T-Shirts! Now wouldn't you be the talk of your Christmas gathering with one of these great shirts?! Or, hey...can't think of what to get someone on your list? A monster movie fan? Well, how can you go wrong? Now in stock in men's sizes SMALL up to 3X:
CHRISTMAS FRANKIE (Green Shirt) - T-Shirt
100% Pre-Shrunk Cotton comfortable green tee shirt with quality silk-screened image. Santa claws is here. Men's sizes SMALL - 3X! Select size in pull-down option. Retro Christmas Frankenstein Santa. Face is BIG on front of shirt.
It's in shock stock and ready to ship via our Creepy Classics jet-power sled and eight tiny vampire bats:
FILMFAX #160 - Magazine
The magazine of unusual film, television and retro pop culture! In this issue: Behind the scenes of Ray Harryhausen's THE VALLEY OF GWANGI, An Epic new DUNE, Dick Miller Interview on "The Corman Years," Lugosi on stage as Dracula, Brett Halsey and Vincent Price in TWICE TOLD TALES and much more!
Don't be fooled by this cute DVD cover, this thing is packed with the strangest, weird vintage Christmas short films from the 1930s-1960s. A great DVD to have on the screen this season:
ULTIMATE HOLIDAY COLLECTION (27 short films) - DVD
A collection of those rare, short films from Castle and other distributors. Live action, animation and cartoon. Vintage films from the 1940s through the 1960s...each film is around 8-10 minutes of sheer nostalgic Christmas! Rare shorts like THE ELF AND MR. LITTLE, NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, THE CANDLEMAKER and more! Packed!
The MONSTER BASH Bela Lugosi Film Fest is Back On!
IMPORTANT HOTEL INFO BELOW...
This August join us for a very special MONSTER BASH inside a grand movie palace built in the 1920s. It's The Palace Theatre in Canton, Ohio. All the details, Click here.
The event is Friday August 12 (beginning at 3PM) and Saturday August 13 (beginning at 12 noon). Both days will go deep into the dark night! We'll be hosting the "Bela Lugosi Film Festival" with Frank Dello Stritto, writer and noted film historian. Frank will have two talks, one on Friday and one on Saturday.
Films include: DRACULA (1931), CHANDU THE MAGICIAN (1932), ISLAND OF LOST SOULS (1932), MARK OF THE VAMPIRE (1935), THE DEVIL BAT (1940), NIGHT MONSTER (1942), THE RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE (1943) and BRIDE OF THE MONSTER (1956). Then a bonus film, late Saturday night, Tim Burton's ED WOOD (1994).
Creepy Classics will be set-up in the hotel lobby and on the mezzanine level (2nd floor), an array of great, great vendors including Ohio TV horror host Son of Ghoul, Terrific (Terri Mount) horror clothing, Brad Braddock author, Frank Dello Stritto author, original movie posters with Hollywood Hounds, Leonard's Lair of Loot, Zanol's Zombie Hut and more.
Plus, live pipe organ on intermissions!
Important! Hurry to get a room, we're in competition with the Football Hall of Fame, so get a room quick:
Cheapest way to get rooms there is on Tripadvisor, Expedia or Reservations.com. But hurry, because the hotels will be filling up with Football Hall of Fame people. Let's BASH-OUT the Fairfield and others in this group:
Canton Fairfield (330) 484-0300 *Myself and must of the Bash staff and vendors will be here. Canton Hampton (330) 491-4335 Canton Holiday Inn (330) 494-2770 Canton Baymont by Wyndham (330) 492-0151
Let's see Monster Bash fans out sell the Football Hall of Fame!
Don't miss out on a special two night marathon in a restored grand movie theatre.
Get your MONSTER BASH VIP admission memberships, Click Here for details.
Are you a vendor? Click here to reserve your vendor table.
Join us...at The Palace Theatre, Canton Ohio in August.
The Latest Podcast Interview - Veronica Carlson!
Our friend Steve Turek runs the DieCast Movie Podcast and is featuring a great interview with Hammer's Veronica Carlson on this installment. Click-in and listen while you work:
A young fan named Sol has submitted this wonderful piece of modeling clay art for us all. It's the infamous ROBOT MONSTER! It's so great to see a new generation of Monster Kids rising to the occasion and being creative! Sol has told us that he wants to make monster movies....so don't be surprised in a few years if we don't see a new movie called REVENGE OF THE ROBOT MONSTER!
Monster Bash June 2022 Admission Available Now
It's "The Golden Voyage of Monster Bash!" Caroline Munro and Patrick Wayne will be there, along with many other MONSTER BASH family of stars. Plus, the LAND OF THE LOST cast with super fun interactive photos with fans, the great actress Beverly Washburn and more, more, more!
The dates are set: June 24-26, 2022.
The location: The remodeled Marriott Pittsburgh North (Cranberry Township-Mars, PA)
Hotel direct phone for reservations: 1 724-772-3700
Get your admission membership discounted for a limited time:
MONSTER BASH JUNE 24-26, 2022 - VIP Membership Admission
3 day admission VIP membership! June 24-26, 2022 at the Pittsburgh Marriott North, (Cranberry Township-Mars, PA). The classic monster movie conference and festival! Three days of monster fan fun. Movie and TV stars appearing, wall-to-wall monster merchandise, special events, special screenings. The multi-Rondo award winning best convention. Prices increase December 30, 2021.
Bash summer 2022! Don't dare miss it...it's where classic monster movie fans and professionals meet.
The Biggest Bash Ever...Sails June 2022.
Classic Christmas Hits While You Surf Creepy Classics
For those of you that ddn't know, we also run a traditinal radio station here in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. We're now playing classic Christmas music through Christmas Day. 24/7.
Then, just click to listen. Hear Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Chuck Berry, The Ronnettes, Tont Bennett, Bing Crosby, The Eagles, Carole King, The Beach Boys, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Chicago...hear all the pop and traditional Christmas songs you grew up with!
Rondo Remembers: Thanksgiving, King Kong, Stan & Ollie
I've been championing these wonderful Thanksgiving memories since I've been on the web in 1997. I've found I was not alone with this special warm connection. So with your approval...let's go back, once more, to Thanksgivings past.
Thanksgivings were magic for me back in the late sixties and early seventies. We lived in State College, PA at that time (my dad and sister still do, I moved to the Pittsburgh area in the 1980s). We had early cable in 1968. It was Centre Video. If we didn't have cable, we only got three channels...Altoona, Johnstown (fuzzy), and University Park - PBS. I don't count Channel 16 from Scranton, it came in only sometimes, fuzzy, with a lot of rabbit ear antenna struggling.
But, with this "new thing" -- cable...we got eight channels in 1968! Imagine that -- eight channels to choose from. And, believe it or not, there was more choices I liked to watch then, than with 200 channels today. It was all because of three New York City stations (technically one was Secaucus, New Jersey): WNEW 5, WOR 9, and WPIX 11. Wow....independents that played an almost non-stop rush of movies from the 1930s-1950s.
On Thanksgiving, Channel 9 started a tradition that would carry on for over a decade. KING KONG on Thanksgiving Day. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, I think there were a few Thanksgivings that KONG played multiple, multiple times during the day. SON OF KONG and MIGHTY JOE YOUNG would be in the mix as well. And, in between things, I'd flip over to Channel 11 for the Thanksgiving showing of MARCH OF THE WOODEN SOLDIERS! Laurel and Hardy meeting up with those manimals - The Bogeymen. Hideous man-beasts that lived in caverns below the earth.
Many stations around the country I've found did this, and Godzilla films were added along the way too. After I first started talking about Kong and Thanksgiving on the web back in 1997, others with similar remembrances have surfaced. I'm not alone. We are an army of monster movie kids that embrace our wondrous childhoods.
So, it is with joy, I had Thanksgiving with KING KONG (1933), SON OF KONG (1933), MIGHTY JOE YOUNG (1949), and MARCH OF THE WOODEN SOLDIERS. The combination of Thanksgiving and those movies branding themselves in me. All this while the aroma of baking turkey came from the kitchen. The house, overly warm from the oven being on since the wee hours of the morning. And, that smell of sage meant stuffing (my favorite) was to be had by all.
During commercial breaks, I would slip out to the kitchen and snitch a green olive and a piece of celery. Iced sugar cookies had been baked by my mom and my sister.
The meal and family are together, and Carl Denham has captured the biggest gorilla ever. Stan and Ollie have beaten the Bogeymen and the evil Barnaby. Joe Young was climbing a tree and saving a little girl from a burning orphanage. It's all the 8th Wonder of the World.
It's KING KONG, it's Thanksgiving.
I'll be watching all of those films this Thanksgiving, my tradition. And now, cooking the turkey and making the stuffing with my wife at Thanksgivings. My daughter knows all too well that Thanksgiving and KING KONG are inseparable and will be visiting with her....husband. Ah, where does the time go as Thanksgivings speed by, one after another.
Now in 2021, on this Thanksgiving, any friends or family that join us....might even catch a glimpse of Skull Island and a giant ape at our house.
From my house to yours, the warmest MONSTER BASH wishes this Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for.
-Ron Adams
Ligonier, PA
2021
Let's go back. This video brings back very emotional memories for me...maybe you too. Click the dial on your Zenith TV....or click below:
Ron, I shared all those great memories with you as I grew up in northern New Jersey in the 50's and 60's and watched all the great stuff on WOR, WPIX, WNEW, and even Zacherle on Channel 47 WNET! The best was Million Dollar Movie shown on channel 9 WOR which played all the RKO greats 3 or 4 times a day for a full week, so I saw all the Kong films about 20 times a week! And Shock and Chiller Theatre!!
Have a great holiday, Mitch Wainer
Awaiting WOR-TV Channel 9's annual Holiday Gorilla Fest was enough joyful stress to endure in the 70s/80s, but securing the ideal seat at the Thanksgiving table was paramount to ensure a clear line of sight to the television screen during the feast.
My duty at each Thanksgiving was to insert the leaf into the round kitchen table to accommodate the 8 or 10 people seated in our kitchen...we lived in a two-family house in Verplanck, New York and had no separate dining room. Now, the trick was to keep the television volume loud enough to hear but low enough to not attract my Mother's auditory senses, surely drawing her attention to the teevee set on during dinner. The trick for me was to claim the seat directly opposite from the screen which was located in the neighboring den. I hereby state that I achieved a 100% success rating...not once did Mom intercept my viewing pleasure of King Kong and Company.
However, there were the Uncles who wanted to watch whatever Thanksgiving ballgames were available on teevee...that was another battle...
Ron and Ursula...God Bless you both for the wonderful couple you are. May you and your Family be blessed...Happy Thanksgiving.
Chris Moniz...and Wife, Debbie too!
Cortlandt Manor, New York
Ron,
As a subscriber to your weekly newsletter I just wanted to drop you a quick note on how much I enjoy and relate to your childhood memories. But what really surprised me is how you had the same viewing experiences out there in western PA that I did growing up in central NJ, back at a time when TV, outside of prime time, was a very local experience. Abbott and Costello, the Bowery Boys and the Kongs and Mighty Joe Young on channel 9 every Thanksgiving, March of the Wooden Soldiers on channel 11. They still show it every year but now it's always the unwatchable colorized version.
Do you remember in the late 70s and early 80s channel 9 had a Godzilla marathon the day after thanksgiving? I still remember my teacher dismissing us from school for the Thanksgiving break, then screaming "Hold it!" In a serious voice then pausing for effect before saying "Everyone, don't forget to watch the Godzilla marathon on Friday" with a wicked smile.
Hope you and your family have a great holiday.
Rob in New Jersey
Hi Rob, I was SOOOOO lucky to have early cable (8 stations) that included 5, 9 and 11 out of the NYC area. It fed my classic movie brain.
Yep, GODZILLA became a staple too....but it was that KONG trilogy that really branded me. -Ron
New! Rare Ad Mat from 1965, Hammer's SHE
What is this odd looking thing (above)? Why it's a super rare ad mat distributed to theaters for newspaper ads. Thick wood-based mold. When held up to light, you can see the amazing detail. Most were used and destroyed as the lead that was poured into them would destroy them. Here's a super cool one available now, get it quick, these things go fast:
SHE (1965/Hammer-MGM) - 8.5" x 12" Original Ad Mat
A very rare original ad mat distributed to theaters to supply local newspapers. It's basically a wood-based hard paper mold that lead was poured into to produced newspaper ads. Almost all were destroyed. This is a rare unused one. Held to the light, the subtle detail is all revealed.
Latest Issue! MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE #44 is Here...
It's available for you right now too! Our latest magazine that is just packed with creepy cool articles, rare photos and...monsters. All Monster Kid goodness:
MONSTER BASH MAGAZINE #44 - Magazine
The all glossy classic monster movie magazine! A retro look for fans horror and science fiction films. Packed with stunning rare photos. In this issue: The Unknown Universal Frankenstein! The wild monster party at Universal in 1935. See the faces in glossy gory glory. Monsters, "House Art" style of the 1920s and 1930s. It came from the Amazon...creepy crawly things, animal men and hidden away mad doctors on remote islands. Writer Frank Dello Stritto takes us on a travelogue of horror on film from the darkest jungles. Classic ghost story author M.R. James passes the rune in this issue with M.P. Adams. Beware, because it means the CURSE OF THE DEMON. Rare interview conjured up by film historian Tom Weaver. Fan letters on the days of growing up in our Monster Boom Generation.
Here are some sample peeks inside this terror tome of classic movies:
New!
R
Then, there in the dim light, at the bottom of the steps, he unveiled it. A Frankenstein monster toy. He pressed the little red button and the thing came to life! It moved it's arms, then suddenly it's pants dropped, revealing funny striped boxer shorts. It's face suddenly glowed red! He and I looked at each other and just laughed and laughed. A moment I will never forget. I was to leave the battery powered Frankenstein downstairs till morning, but I could take the book upstairs with me. 
New and Re-Stocked!
Everyone's talking about MONSTER BASH! 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. 
Here they are...and many more in our 
DRACULA (1931) - Magic Image Filmbook
New!
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Monster Bash June 2022 
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Rondo Remembers: Thanksgiving, King Kong, Stan & Ollie
But, with this "new thing" -- cable...we got eight channels in 1968! Imagine that -- eight channels to choose from. And, believe it or not, there was more choices I liked to watch then, than with 200 channels today. It was all because of three New York City stations (technically one was Secaucus, New Jersey): WNEW 5, WOR 9, and WPIX 11. Wow....independents that played an almost non-stop rush of movies from the 1930s-1950s.
Many stations around the country I've found did this, and Godzilla films were added along the way too. After I first started talking about Kong and Thanksgiving on the web back in 1997, others with similar remembrances have surfaced. I'm not alone. We are an army of monster movie kids that embrace our wondrous childhoods.
It's KING KONG, it's Thanksgiving. 
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