Okay, people. Put down your Pokemon-Go, and let’s expand that grey matter together by learning what happened today in Horror History. That’s right, it’s Monday. I hope you got your caffeine medicine, because this week has some wicked tidbits.
July 11th
Back in 2013, all bets were on this one failing. Little did everyone know this b-movie esque flick was a phenom in disguise. Sparking multiple sequels, and a lot of bandwagon copies, Sharknado is that movie you love to hate.
Sharknado
released in 2013
July 12
Tod Browning was born back in 1880 on this day, and we are all better lovers of horror for it. Tod Browning is responsible for directing some of horror’s most memorable movies, and along with doing so, launching their cast members into horror stardom. The man directed Bela Lugosi in Dracula! Speaking of which, Tod also shared a birthday with the Wolfman himself, Lon Chaney Jr.
Chaney would find himself directed by Tod Browning in several of his films, including the acclaimed, London After Midnight, where Lon played the iconic Professor Edward C. Burke. Out of the 10 films Tod Browning directed Lon Chaney Jr in, London After Midnight proved to be their highest grossing film together. Tragically, in the mid-1960’s, the only known surviving copy of said movie, was destroyed in the 1967 MGM Vault Fire.
1973 – Lon Chaney, Jr.
(actor in numerous horror films) dies
July 13
I used to have a lightweight obsession with Jack the Ripper, but this one never really held my attention. In this flick, the baby of Jack the Ripper witnesses her father kill her mother because, well, Jack the Ripper be rippin’, B. What else he gonna do?!
Fast forward 15 years later, while in a trance like state, the murderous spirit of her father takes over her body to continue the bloody rampage. Did I lose you? Yeah, I thought so…
released in 1972
July 14
Oh, daddy! Back on this day in 1939, one of horror’s most handsome leading men was born! Well, part of that statement is true. Sid Haig plays the maniacs you love to love! You may know him from Rob Zombie’s many movies, but since the age of 21, Mr. Haig has played countless rolls on the small, and big screen. Including, acting in Jack Hill’s blaxploitation films of the 1970’s.
(Spider Baby, House of 1,000 Corpses, The Devil’s Rejects) born in 1939
July 15
Screenwriter for the Joel Schumacher thriller, Phone Booth, was born back on this day in 1941. Lawrence G. “Larry” Cohen, was not only an accomplished screenwriter, but also a producer, and director responsible for the B-Movie auteur of horror. The adaptation of his screenplay that became Phone Booth, had it’s release delayed due to the Beltway sniper attacks.
July 16
Before Jeff Goldblum, there was the original theatrical release of the Fly back in 1958. If you haven’t seen this version, you should be ashamed. Never turn a blind eye to a movie with Vincent MF Price. Especially when the movie monster has to throw up on you first, before eating you. Sound’s like dating me. Ladies?
The Fly
July 17
The 3rd Jaws movie… what can I say. It’s actually the 4th movie, but according to the studio, it’s the third movie in the trilogy. Meaning, they’ve distanced themselves from Jaws 3(D) entirely. I’d bet dollars to doughnuts that after this movie released, they’d considered doing the same with Jaws: The Revenge.
If you’ve seen it, you know the ending doesn’t make much sense. So much so, that when it was released internationally, they had to reshoot the ending. Let’s just say that didn’t help things. The ending of the international version makes even less sense! but what film makes ANY sense when Ellen Brody is convinced theres a shark is seeking revenge on her family?! I guess she was right, considering a great white follows her to the Bahamas and attacks.
Jaws: The Revenge
