Countdown to Christmas – A Christmas Carol (1939)

The Christmas season is never complete without listening to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Lionel Barrymore played Scrooge on the radio from 1934 to 1953 on a variety of different programs. In those 20 years, he only missed playing the role twice. In 1936, when his wife died, and in 1938, when he voluntarily stepped down.

He was considered for MGM’s film adaptation but he was forced to decline the offer due to his back problems that would eventually leave him in a wheelchair. He recommended Reginald Owens for the role and decided to skip playing it on the radio that year so as not to take away anything from his friends performance on the big screen.

He returned to the air the following year on Campbell Playhouse and it’s that 1939 performance that is considered to be his best.  Here, he worked with Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre Players in a classic presentation. I first discovered this in 1989 while living in Paris, Texas. A local radio station played it on Christmas Eve as part of a sponsorship from the local Campbell’s factory. It is amazing and highly recommended.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Kansas City Cinephile and the Monster Movie Kid!

Countdown to Christmas – A Christmas Carol (1941)

There are countless filmed versions of A Christmas Carol, as well as numerous old time radio adaptations. However, this past year, I discovered a “new” version from 1941 starring Hollywood actor Ronald Colman.

The production featured a full cast with a score by Victor Young and sounds like a long lost radio program. In reality, it was originally released by Decca Records as a four-record 78-RPM set. When it was eventually released on 33-RPM, it was abbreviated to fit one side of the record. That version was also later released on CD. Despite the slightly shorter version, the tale still manages to maintain all of the key elements in an incredibly well-done fashion.

In a year where we were “treated” with a new televised version that comes across more like a lump of coal, I was glad to listen to this lost classic for the very first time. I recommend it, so grab a glass of smoking bishop and enjoy A Christmas Carol from 1941 starring Ronald Colman as Ebenezer Scrooge!

Countdown to Christmas – Old Time Radio Christmas Thrillers

Comedy isn’t the only genre of old time radio classics that will help you get into the holiday spirit. There are plenty of mysteries and crime thrillers that are just as creepy as the ghost of Christmas past.

So here are a few suggestions that will help you relive the days of yesteryear or, if you are lucky, introduce you to a whole new world from the past.

Suspense

• “Christmas for Carole” (12-21-50) starring Dennis Day (of Jack Benny fame) as a man desperate to help his dying wife, even if it means becoming a criminal
• “Out for Christmas” (12-21-58) starring Raymond Burr as a man released from prison with nothing but revenge on his mind
• “Twas The Night Before Christmas” (12-21-53) starring Greer Garson as a housekeeper trying to hide the news from a child that her parents are missing on Christmas Eve
• “Back for Christmas” (12-23-43) starring Peter Lorre as a college professor who has had enough of his nagging wife

Dragnet

• “22 Rifle for Christmas” (12-22-49) is a tale about two missing boys and a rifle
• “The Big Little Jesus” (12-22-53) is about a stolen infant Jesus statue

The Shadow

The Shadow is one of my all-time favorites. Just as sure as crime doesn’t pay, it didn’t take the holidays off either. Here are two great Christmas tales, both starring Bill Johnstone.

• “The Stockings Were Hung” (12-24-39) is a tale about a missing father and a miserly old man
• “Joey’s Christmas Story” (12-22-40) is about a boy who tries to stir up a mystery and ends up in the middle of turmoil
  

Countdown to Christmas – A Happy Hagsploitation Holiday

Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother’s house we go! The holidays bring visions of hard candy, fruit cake and…hey, what ever happened to that crazy aunt of ours? Well, this month on episode 38 of the Classic Horrors Club Podcast, Jeff and I search for the answer as we celebrate a Happy Hagsploitation Holiday!

We’re taking a look at three classics of this unique genre. First up, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962). Then, we find out What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice? (1969) before discovering Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? (1971). As Jeff said, “You’re going to love it… ya’ ahrrr, Blanche, ya’ ahrrr!”

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You can read everything Jeff does at Classic Horrors Club (http://classichorrors.club) or DC Comics Guy (https://www.dccomicsguy.com/)!

More Goodies for Your Holiday Wish List

The power of the internet and social media has connected me with many other talented and amazing monster kids. Last Friday’s list of gift ideas was just a small sample of the fantastic work that is out there. As expected, even more suggestions came to my mind once I hit the publish button. So, I offer up a few more goodies for your holiday wish list and yes, I’ve still probably left someone off this list, so I apologize in advance as it is by no means complete.

Alistair Hughes and Infogothic
Alistair has just recently become a friend through the Classic Horror Club Podcast but I was familiar with his literary work for a while now. Infogothic: An Unauthorized Graphic Guide to Hammer Horror gives you everything you ever wanted to know about Hammer horror films in a unique blend of charts, diagrams and illustrations.

Works of Troy Howarth
Troy has written numerous books on European horror but for me, Human Beasts: The Films of Paul Naschy is the one that introduced me to his work and is the definitive book on a sometimes overlooked horror legend.  It comes in two editions, both of which feature an amazing cover from artist Mark Maddox.

Films of Joshua Kennedy
Joshua Kennedy is an award-winning filmmaker who has already left a mark on the horror and sci-fi genre despite his young age. You might say he’s an old soul who’s truly connected to the films we all love and he’s creating his own modern-day adventures. House of the Gorgon is just his latest and what a loving homage to Hammer it is featuring several classic Hammer stars including Caroline Munro, Martine Beswicke, Veronica Carlson and Christopher Neame. It is truly a great stocking stuffer.

Music of Reber Clark
Speaking of Mr. Kennedy, one has to mention the fantastic music that truly enhanced the film. Composer Reber Clark has created an amazing score that immediately takes you back to your childhood as it feels like a lost Hammer treasure itself. It’s available on both CD and digital download. Either would make a great companion to the DVD. Do yourself a favor and go to Band Camp right now.

Rick Goldschmidt and the World of Rankin Bass
You’ve been watching those wonderful Rankin Bass specials for years, now dive into the history and making of those much beloved classics. Historian Rick Goldschmidt has an amazing array of books, shirts, posters and more, all dedicated to Rankin Bass. Check out his site, miserbros.com, and explore this fantastical world.

Works of Martin Grams
Author Martin Grams has such an impressive list of books that will leave you feeling like a kid in a candy store. His topics are filled with nostalgia of shows we loved, some we forgot and others we might have missed along the years. His latest, ‘Way Out: A History and Episode Guide to Roald Dahl’s Spooky 1961 Television Program, explores an often overlooked television series. My personal favorite is The Shadow: The History and Mystery of the Radio Program, 1930-1954. There’s something for everyone, so check out his website today.

Fantasy Worlds of Christopher Mills
There’s a long list of comic creators self-publishing their own titles these days but writer Christopher Mills is clearly doing something special and unique that makes his work stand out. He has a long and impressive list of titles over the years but his latest efforts take me back to the much beloved Silver Age of comics. From the style of stories to the artwork and fantastic covers, he’s left me wanting more. He’s released two titles and three issues through Atomic Pulp so far with many more on the way, including a personal favorite of mine, Rex Dexter of Mars. They’re available through Indy Planet in print or digital format. Check them out and help support his work. You’ll want to see more, I know I do.

Support Independent Creators This Holiday Season

The holiday shopping season is upon us and I have a lot of creative friends. Some are writers, while others are filmmakers or artists. They have all have special talents and their creativity results in some wonderful gift ideas. So, while you’re busy creating your own wish lists, take the time to take a look at what some of my friends are doing and be happy knowing that you’re supporting independent artists.

Please note, I know I’ve probably left someone off this list, so it is by no means complete. It’s merely intended to highlight the great work from some of my friends that will most likely connect you with other like minded creators.

Stephen D. Sullivan
Check out his newly redesigned website where adventure is guaranteed and monsters are optional. Whether it’s his ongoing Frost Harrow series or such classic titles as Daikaiju Attacks or his 2016 Scribe award-winning Manos: The Hands of Fate, you’ll find plenty to read on those cold winter nights.

Derek M. Koch
We all know that Derek is a Rondo award winning podcaster but he’s also a writer and this year he’s published the first in a new series. Check out Monster for Hire: The Marc Temple Casefiles: Volume 1 for vampires, werewolves, zombies and so much more! Volume 2 is scheduled for 2020, so now is the perfect time to dive into this new series.

Films of Christopher R. Mihm
Enter the Mihmiverse and you’ll become hooked after just one film. With 14 films and 2 more on the horizon, there’s plenty to choose from, not to mention mystery boxes, Christmas ornaments and so much more! Plus, you can also support future films by becoming a contributor like yours truly.

Photo taken by Christi Jean Williams of Grinkie Photography. Prints available for sale at the Mihmiverse website.

Jeff Owens
Jeff may be my podcaster-in-crime and my brother from another mother, but he’s also a great writer who has been published numerous times courtesy of We Belong Dead publications. Check him out in such publications as Unsung Horrors, A Century of Horror and, their latest release, Into the Velvet Darkness: A Celebration of Vincent Price. They all make great additions to any monster kid library.

Note: Unlike most of the others listed here, Jeff won’t make any money off of the purchase of these books but continued support of these publications means future releases and his continued exposure.

Fiona Young-Brown
Fiona has written several great cook books for those interested in the culinary history of Kentucky but her collaboration with her husband Nic is a classic for every monster kid out there. The B-Movie Cookbook!: The 1950s offers up recipes inspired by such classics as The Blob and The Thing from Another World. A perfect way to enhance a Saturday night double feature.

Nic Brown
Speaking of Nic, his Werewolf for Hire books have left monster kids everywhere patiently waiting for more. Check out his titles, such as Blood Curse and Blood Sacrifice. Go to www.authorNicBrown.com for more information on his books as well as his film projects, including Loss Prevention and Wretch.

Bleak December
Anthony D.P. Mann started out as a podcaster, transitioned to filmmaking and is now making his mark with his fantastical Bleak December productions. While many are released on vinyl through Cadabra Records, they usually sell out rather quickly. However, many of productions are available on MP3 CDs, such as A Christmas Carol with Sylvester McCoy (Doctor Who). His latest is Return to Frightenstein, a loving homage to the classic 1970s television series, featuring Malcolm McDowell in the role previously filled by the legendary Vincent Price. It’s available on CD, so check it out!

Desmond Reddick
Desmond is the master mind behind the Dread Media Podcast but he’s also a great writer. Check out his Amazon page for some great ideas, such as Mother of Abominations: A Monster Earth Novel and Dark: A Horror Anthology.

The Art of Mark Maddox
If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing his great work at a local convention, do yourself a favor and check out his website. His work covers all genres from Star Trek and Doctor Who to classic monsters and legendary actors. He’s available for commissions and comes highly recommended.

Jim Moore
Jim and I connected on Facebook through our mutual love of monsters. He’s an amazing artist. Just check out his Etsy store, Moore Monsters, and you’ll fall in love with his fantastic creations.

Matthew Parmenter
Check out Matthew’s eBay store, monster-art-world, or reach out to him on Facebook. He does some awesome work that would make a great addition to anyone’s media room.

Stuffed with Character
These soft figure creations from my friend Tracey are an amazing and unique addition to any monster kid’s collection. Check out her Facebook page and contact her today. They are highly recommended!

Mel Lang
I met Mel many years ago through a comic book shop in Wichita and through the magic of the internet, we’re still connected today. She’s doing some great work over at her Etsy shop that I’m sure some monster kids will enjoy. Check out The Mel Cave!

Did anyone say t-shirts?
Tee Public is running another one of their sales right now. Go check them out and support these great podcasts and fellow monster kids by searching for the following:

ClassicHorrorsClub
Mihmiverse
Monster Conservancy
Monster Kid Radio
TimeShiftersPodcast

Countdown to Christmas – Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny (1972)

This month on episode 62 of the Mihmiverse Monthly Audiocast, the Kansas City Crypt celebrates the holiday season with something that is so frightening, it should have been covered back at Halloween. Consider yourself warned, it’s time for Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny (1972)! It’s like a lump of coal that truly boggles the mind.

Be sure to check out the online home of the films of Christopher R. Mihm for all of the great merchandise ideas for holiday gifts and information on how you can help make future films happen! Chris is hard at work on the next two chapters in the Mihmiverse story as he is in post-production of The Phantom Lake Kids in The Beast Walks Among Us and pre-production for That Which Lurks in the Dark for 2020. Check out sainteuphoria.com to learn how you can contribute today!

As always, tell ’em Monster Movie Kid sent you!