Mariposa's Musings

I've posted about how Philip Van Doren Stern's Greatest Gift became It's a Wonderful Life.   But there are so many interesting behind the scenes connections to this film, I can't resist sharing some of them. Wartime Connections While our hero, George Bailey, was ineligible for service during WWII due to his damaged ear, his brother Harry became a Navy pilot and a war hero. Jimmy Stewart was a pilot in the US Army Air Force and flew 20 combat missions during the war. He became one of the few Americans to rise from private to colonel in only four years during WWII. A Civil War historian, novelist and editor in his own right, Philip Van Doren Stern served as general manager for Armed Services Editions  during WWII. Also known as ASE's, these inexpensive paperbacks were published from 1943-1947 and provided to servicemen on the front lines. Featured authors included William Faulkner, Zane Grey, John Steinbeck, Mark Twain and H.G. Wells.  ASE's were immensely ...

Many women long for a boy-next-door type. But nice guys can be hard to find especially if you’re a witch from Greenwich Village.  When Gillian Holroyd (Kim Novak) discovers her upstairs neighbor, Shep Henderson ( Jimmy Stewart ), is about to marry her college rival, she casts a spell on him to make him hers.  What starts as a vengeful impulse turns to love and Gillian must choose between the love of her life and her magical powers. The 1958 film was based on a successful Broadway play of the same title by John van Druten . Garnering two Academy Award nominations (Art Direction and Costume Design), the film is visually snazzy and headed by an “A” list cast. While the film is more style, than supernatural, it is definitely worth a watch for fans of Novak-Stewart and Siamese cats .

Clark Stevens has always had a way with women, but his teenage daughter despises him.  When his daughter comes to live with him fulltime, he enlists co-worker, Julie Wahl, to coach him on parenting skills. As a single mom and paralegal, Julie, has successfully balanced family, work and swing dancing. After heartbreak on the dance floor, the last thing Julie needs is an office romance.  But she can hardly say no to a colleague in need, especially one with dark brown eyes and a killer grin. Since Ladies Man is as much about raising teens as swing dancing, I’d recommend pairing it with Cincinnati-style chili which features two ingredients favored by kids, ground beef and spaghetti. My version is cheap and quick which are key factors when cooking for ravenous teens. 1 pkg chili seasoning 1 pound ground beef 1 can tomato sauce 16 oz spaghetti Optional toppings: chopped onion, diced tomato, shredded cheddar cheese. Cook spaghetti according to package directio...

“I have endeavored in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humor with themselves, with each other, with the season or with me. May it haunt their house pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.”  Charles Dickens -December 1843 People respond to suffering in different ways.  Moved by the plight of children working in the Cornish tin mines, Charles Dickens gave a series of speeches imploring audiences to fight ignorance with educational reform. He then considered writing an inexpensive political pamphlet, but opted instead for writing fiction finishing the novella in six weeks.  Published on December 19, 1843, the first run of 6,000 copies of A Christmas Carol sold out by Christmas Eve. It always amazes me what other creative endeavors are inspired by a single story.  Less than two months after publication, there were at least eight theatrical versions in production.  Scrooge’s tale of redemption h...

Claiming that he found the secret a dying Dr. Campbell hands a vial of pills to Dr. Paul Beecher who slips the pills into his pocket.  When his young daughter accidentally gives him one of the pills during a migraine, the kind family doctor finds himself swept up in horrifying events beyond his control. Can the good doctor stop the madness in time? Although the film has several flashes of iconic horror scenes, a mysterious old house, creepy laboratory with bats, lovely woman fleeing in terror, vampire fans expecting the suave elegance of Bella Lugosi will be kept waiting.  Despite a number of bodies with the tell-tale fang marks in the neck, the title monster’s transformation and storyline is more The Wolf Man than Dracula.  Those horror fans that love their monsters whether they’re fanged, furry or with fins will enjoy The Vampire even without the cape and the smooth accent. Vampire purists may prefer to stick to the classic  Dracula or even Fright Night ...

I imagine between the schedule and facing the dark side of humanity on a daily basis that it would be difficult for a NYC detective to meet that someone special.  Under her portrait’s mesmerizing gaze while reading her diary, Detective Mark McPherson falls for a beautiful, quick-witted woman during a murder investigation. Unfortunately, the lovely Laura Hunt happens to be the victim. The true star of the movie is the dialogue.  Laura’s mentor, newspaper columnist, Waldo Lydecker, has a rapier wit and he’s fond of skewering the unwary.  Writers will be intrigued by Lydecker’s writing desk, a typewriter perched over a spa-sized bathtub. “I’m not kind. I’m vicious it’s the secret of my charm.”  Waldo Lydecker “In my case, self-absorption is completely justified. I have never discovered any subject so worthy of my attention.” Waldo Lydecker McPherson: [Regarding the list of suspects] “You know you’re on this list too.” Lydecker: “Good. It would ins...

There are so many amazing classic thrillers out there, I decided to add a new category, Midnight Mysteries. Enjoy!  The House on Telegraph Hill (1951) To endure the horrors of the concentration camp, Karin and Victoria dream of a future where Karin is reunited with her son who she sent as an infant to live with her wealthy aunt, Sophie, in San Francisco. Despite Victoria’s vigilant care, Karin perishes.  Victoria leaves the heartbreak of war-torn Poland behind when she assumes Karin’s identity and finds love and an affluent new life in San Francisco. But anything can happen in a Victorian house with a beautiful blonde governess with a murderous gleam in her eye.  Would the kindly, late Aunt Sophie approve of an imposter mothering her beloved grand-nephew? Even in the land of the free, Victoria doesn’t know where to turn or whom to trust. The film opens with a panoramic view of San Francisco filmed from the top of Coit Tower. Most of the film was shot on...

 Most people know that when a bell rings an angel gets his wings. But do you know the true story behind “ It’s a Wonderful Life ”? In 1938 Philip Van Doren Stern was inspired to write about a desperate family man’s encounter with his guardian angel who showed him what life would be like if he’d never been born. In 1943 he finished his 4,100 word short story, “ The Greatest Gift ” which proceeded to be rejected by a variety of publications from “The Saturday Evening Post” to farm journals.  As an established Civil War historian and biographer, Stern published over forty books during his lifetime, but he was unable to find a publisher for this story.  Determined to share his tale Stern had 200 pamphlets printed of his story and distributed them to friends and family as Christmas cards.  He told his third-grade daughter, Marguerite, that even though they were sending it as Christmas card to friends “It is a universal story for all people and all times”. Se...

Dead Men Walk (1943) “You creatures of the light how can you say with any certainty what dwells in the oceans of the night.”  Eerie declaration by disembodied head in the fire during opening credits. Kindly Dr. Lloyd Clayton ( George Zucco ) has secretly murdered his evil twin brother, Elwyn Clayton (also played by George Zucco) to protect the town from Elwyn’s sorcery.  Unfortunately, Elwyn is more of a master of the dark arts than his brother anticipated. Elwyn returns from the dead intent on revenge by enslaving their niece, Gayle (Mary Carlisle) for eternity. This movie has some interesting similarities to a latter vampire flick, Black Sunday which also opens with the murder of a sibling. Asa is executed by her own brother for witchcraft. Both movies have the lead playing dual roles of hero/vampire.  In "Black Sunday" Barbara Steele portrayed wicked Asa and her innocent descendent Katia.  While both movie villains faithfully follow the vampire ge...

"You go down the stairs to find these characters. It's not a place anyone can go, and sometimes it's not a place you want to go." Wes Craven A career that started with Last House on the Left  (1972) led horror fans through the dark neighborhoods of the soul.  33 titles as a writer, 28 titles as a director and 44 titles as a producer. All I can say is "Thanks for a memorable and terrifying journey."

The Beast with Million Eyes (1955) "...because it will seem like I see your most secret acts, you will know me as the beast with a million eyes."  Alien  If you watch this flick expecting to see a multi-eyed creature you will be sorely disappointed. Yes, I know the movie poster and opening credit art hint at such a creature. The actual “beast” is an alien with the power to control animals (and eventually humans) to do its bidding.  The alien’s vision is expanded through the creatures it controls.  When the alien’s ship lands outside a remote date farm, the Kelley family is forced to get a grip on their various issues in order to fight the alien threat. The premise is promising but falls short in delivery.  While an all encompassing animal attack on humanity could be terrifying as in Hitchcock’s The Birds  or James Patterson’s Zoo  most of the attacks in this flick seem more silly than scary.  Maybe it is because a flock of churlish...

Black Sunday The movie opens in Moldavia 1630 with the brutal execution of Asa (Barbara Steele) and her lover for witchcraft and vampirism by her own brother.  Prior to her demise, Asa places a curse on the Vajda family and all future generations.  200 years later, a doctor and his protégé happen upon the crypt.  Through a series of misfortunes (including a run-in with a giant bat), the good doctor happens to awaken Asa who summons her lover and proceeds to wreak havoc on her brother’s descendants. Asa relentlessly stalks the lovely, Katia (also played by Barbara Steele) in hopes of draining her blood and gaining immortality. Considered exceptionally violent for its time, the film was banned in the UK until 1968. Even after so many years the film retains its chilling atmosphere and is worth watching. Filmed in central Italy, this  1960 movie has all the elements of a classic black and white vampire movie looming shadows and an eerie castle. Notable Quote...

Tagline: “At long last a motion picture with absolutely no cultural value” This theatrical feature is brought to you by Rankin/Bass, best known for their children’s holiday specials.   While intended for a young audience, MMP is no Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer, opening with an atomic blast and punctuated with adult humor. The movie features the voice talents of Boris Karloff (Mad Scientist, Boris von Frankenstein) and Phyllis Diller (the monster’s mate). Having invented a potion of ultimate destruction, Baron Boris von Frankenstein invites all the monsters to a party on the Isle of Evil to celebrate his achievement.   The guest list is an impressive line-up of classic movie monsters including the Wolfman, the Mummy, the Invisible Man and Dracula.      He confides to his voluptuous assistant, Francesca his plans to retire and leave the business to his nephew, Felix Franken.   Francesca wants to take over evil empire herself and plots to g...

For those who love classic cars, Reno is the place to be during Hot August Nights    Many of the casinos host events from show & shines to drag races.   Around town during a quick run to the store, you might spot a ’67 Corvette or an antique fire engine polished to a high gloss. An unexpected thunderstorm made it a bad night to cruise the streets, but provided an excellent setting to watch a classic horror flick.   We chose The Giant Gila Monster (1959) which features hot rods, a soda shop even a sock hop.    Poor Sheriff Jeff—as the lone lawman in a small town in rural Texas-he has two missing teens, several strange auto accidents and no deputy to assist with the investigation.   He enlists the help of Chase Winstead (our hero) a rakish mechanic who loves fast cars, yet is a devoted son who supports his mom and sister.    All the mayhem has been caused by a 50 foot Gila Monster (actually a live Mexican Bearded Lizard). ...

Today at Karen Michelle Nutt 's blog, I'm chatting about a classic story which has haunted the stage and the silver screen. Do you know what 1925 silent film originally featured 17 minutes worth of technicolor?  Hope to see you there.

“Maniac hunts humans in a jungle hell!” Tagline Four teenagers sail to what appears to be deserted tropical island.   They soon discover the island is owned by Dr. Balleau who has tired of importing big game to his island opting to hunt humans instead.    What starts as a light-hearted search for pirate treasure ends up as a desperate race for survival.   The film is considered a loose adaptation of Richard Connell’s 1924 short story “The Most Dangerous Game”. The four teens are stock fright flick teen characters jock, glam gal, nerd and sporty girl. The Jock is portrayed by buff Robert Reed in his pre-Brady Bunch days. Glam gal happens to have a couple of judo moves which happens to turn (or flip) the situation in her favor later on in the film.  Like most villains of classic horror, Dr. Albert Balleau is elegant and sinister.   Typical to form, he is ruthless without mercy yet never rude.   And you have to applaud his sense of style-...

The Little Shop of Horrors (1960)   At what point does ambition become an insatiable monster?  Poor Seymour Krelboyne—his carnivorous hybrid becomes his ticket to fame and ultimately his undoing.   Much like a teenager, the plant Audrey Junior comes alive at night demanding food.  Seymour accidently discovers his plant’s desire for human blood and through a series unfortunate events provides victims for Audrey Jr.  Seymour’s boss is horrified at the plant’s diet, but is reluctant to relinquish the steady stream of customers drawn to his flower shop by the monster plant. The 1960 film is populated with quirky characters and incorporates elements of black comedy and farce.   It features an early glimpse of young Jack Nicholson’s killer smile in a cameo role as a masochistic dental patient.  The film gained cult status as a double feature and later became an off-Broadway musical  which became the basis for the 1986 remake.  Even ...

Old Man Winter finally decided to visit Reno. There’s nothing better on a chilly winter evening, than hot-buttered popcorn and a classic fright flick. Five strangers are invited to a haunted house party thrown by millionaire, Frederick Loren and his fourth wife, Anabelle. The only thing the five have in common is a desperate need for money. Each member of the party who survives the night will receive $10,000. The house is reputed to be haunted by spirits of those who were murdered there. For “party favors” Loren gives a loaded gun to each of his guests. But can mere bullets offer protection against murderous spirits? Vincent Price’s performance alone makes this film worth watching. He infuses a sense of menacing grace to millionaire, Frederick Loren. The film features another notable icon. A national landmark, the Ennis House , designed by Frank Lloyd Wright makes a cameo appearance as the exterior of the haunted house. Even with the usual features of a haunted mansion (...

" When I was 9 I played the demon king in Cinderella and it launched me on a long happy life playing a monster.” Boris Karloff Like Lon Chaney, Karloff started his film career in the silent film industry. After nearly 20 years and 80 films, Karloff became an overnight sensation at age 44 with his portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster, even though the opening credits simply listed Karloff as “?”. A slim man standing 5’11”, Karloff wore lifts and padding to portray the monster. Karloff also played the monster in the sequels Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and Son of Frankenstein (1939). A founding member of the Screen Actors Guild, Karloff’s diverse career included stage, films, radio, television and recordings. Much later he would give the Grinch his voice and narrated the tale ultimately winning a spoken word Grammy for the recording. “There is no such thing as a person that nothing has happened to and each person is as different as his fingertips.” Elsa Lanchester...