This is the time of the year, when everybody, including me, want to share their top ten best Hallowe'en Movies.
So here are my ten.
10. Opera (1987) D: Dario Argento
Back in the day, I tried to watch all of this Italian Directors' works. For the most part, the only way to view these movies was to get a bootleg copy from a Japanese Laser Disk, since they were never distributed in the States. Of the bunch, I thought Opera (aka Terror at the Opera) was his best, most coherent and had shocking elements. YouTube has a trailer, but Amazon will have commercially available media for home.
9. Zombi (1979) D: Lucio Fulci
Let me try to get this correct. The original Zombi title was a joint effort between Romero (below) and Argento (above). So this title is best called Zombi 2 in the States and was directed by Fulci. Gore is found in this film, so keep away from the kiddies, though I expect they get more from playing those video games in their bedroom. There are a boat load of sequels in title or theme, so while the whole zombie era really started a lot earlier, the late seventies are when it was born for mass consumption.
8. The Thing (from another World) (1951) D: Christian Nyby
Also a sci-fi film, this is a wonderful cold war fright fest. It is fast paced and the actors display the fear and arrogance typical of the era. Remade of course, but the original is a historic exploration of human nature facing the unknown horrors from outer space. Watch it.
7. Dawn of the Dead (1978) D: George Romero
Filmed at night at the Monroeville Mall out side of Pittsburgh, PA (another film location I have visited while attending the Monster Bash) it is another classic that has a social message along with some severe gore. Remade of course. Make sure you get the 1978 version.
6. Alabama's Ghost (1973) D: Fredric Hobbs
This one is weird and should be a cult classic. A rare title and I challenge you to find someone who has seen it. Hard to describe, but you will not be bored. I got my copy on DVD from Sinister Cinema. Or watch in on Youtube.
5. Spider Baby (1967/68) D. Jack Hill
Released on Christmas Eve (what were they thinking?) this cult classic has Lon Chaney and Sid Haig. What more would you want? A bizarre film with Chaney signing the opening song, so you know you are in for a treat. Also known as The Liver Eaters, Attack of the Liver Eaters, Cannibal Orgy,
and The Maddest Story Ever Told, you should get this for your DVD collection. YouTube has a copy.
4. The Haunting (1963) D: Robert Wise
One of the most talented directors of all time,Wise scares the audience with the film. One time I was watching it at my brother's house on his Laser Disk; I had to turn on the lights! Remade but find the original. You can find this on cable this month (TCM) and probably other providers. Here is a trailer from YouTube. (sorry for the commercial in the beginning).
3. The Tingler (1959) D: Wm. Castle
This is a title I would love to have on 16 mm. Most people would settle on Blue Ray, but not me. Black and white except for one scene (no, I will not spoil it for you). This bizarre film has Vincent Price, the Tingler and LSD! Look back at the date, we are not talking about the 60s or 70s here.
2. House on Haunted Hill (1959) D: Wm. Castle
Another title I wish I had on 16mm, but at least it is in Public Domain so widely available to view. Great entertainment, safe for kids but still with some creepy moments. Vincent Price is great in this one. I wish I had seen this in the theatre as a kid.
1. Night of the Living Dead (1968) D: George Romero
This low budget film is in public domain AND I have a 16 mm print of it. It has some scares and a significant social message that puts it at the top of my list. A classic horror film that is a must. I have been to cemetery in Evans City (PA).
So that is it my friends. Grab some friends, pop some popcorn and enjoy these titles. In fact, why not make it a dusk to dawn night!
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