Hello, hello! It’s time, once again, to take a look at the important dates from the years over that have helped shape horror as we know it today. There are some heavyweight happenings to go over, so bite down on that mouth piece and tuck your chin because this week in Horror History just might knock your block off!

June 20

Dun, dun. Dun, dun. Dun, dun! It’s the movie that started it all. Back in 1975, audiences were treated to a movie about a giant, lonely, and misunderstood shark who just wanted someone to love. The shark went on a hugging spree, and people didn’t take too kindly to it. If you haven’t seen Jaws, then you probably one of the millions of people who swore off swimming in the ocean.

Jaws
released theatrically in 1975

June 21

Space Vampires?! Sign me up! None of these vampires sparkle, but you will notice more facial features in the mummy-esk life suckers than on Kristen Stewart. Honestly, this Tobe Hooper (the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Poltergeist) helmed horror flick holds a special place in my heart. Not because it got me in trouble for watching a movie with lots of bewbs, but because at 12 years of age, watching a horror movie with lots of bewbs was totally worth getting in trouble. I wore that badge with honor.

 

June 22

If you cannot recognize this man merely by his perfectly chiseled silhouette, you’re out of the will. Happy birthday Bruce!

Bruce Campbell

June 23

Elvira does it again in her 2001 release. In fact, I released watching it. The Mistress of the Dark is in Carpathia, back in 1851. Which is weird, because her chest is from 2010. Elvira ends up at a haunted castle on her way to France to star in a can-can review. IT BASICALLY WRITES ITSELF, PEOPLE!

Elvira’s Haunted Hills
released theatrically in 2001

June 24

We’ve said it before, and we will say it again. If it’s a movie with the word, “Dead” in the title, then George A. Romero is responsible. In this 2005 outing, the Zombies start communicating, banding together, and eventually open up their own chain of successful Chipotle franchises.

 

June 25

Here is a twofer for ya, and it ain’t too shabby. Back in 1976, the Omen was released in theaters and after it was done, parents ran home to check their babies for the mark of the beast. In 1984, John Carpenter creeped all the eff out with The Thing. Like any good movie, Hollywood tried their best to ruin its legacy with a remake, but I didn’t mind it all that much. But, Hollywood, can we please just come up with new things? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The Omen
released theatrically in 1976

The Thing
released theatrically in 1982

June 26

Some people are just born to be known. Peter Lorre was such an actor. Trust me, if I could cash in on looking creepy, I would be writing this from cabana in Thailand. I guess we aren’t all as lucky as Mr. Lorree. I always loved it when they characterized him in Looney Toons. Um, is my age showing?

Peter Lorre
born in 1904

Well, my friends. This concludes a very heavy duty Horror History. If the aforementioned never happened, the world of horror would look very different than it does today. We hope to see you next week, when we learn you more things together. Now, pass your papers up to the front of the classroom, so I can sign off your community service hours.