HORROR 101 with Dr. AC

TARANTULA (1955) d. Jack Arnold (USA) IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA (1955) d. Robert Gordon (USA) KING DINOSAUR (1955) d. Bert I. Gordon (USA) Tonight, we step back seventy years to 1955—the cusp of the golden age for giant monster cinema, as atomic anxiety crept from the headlines onto the silver screen, mutating into monstrous metaphors that stomped, crawled, and slithered into our collective imagination. In this episode, we’ll look at three emblematic 1955 films—Tarantula, It Came from Beneath the Sea, and King Dinosaur—and explore how their monsters weren’t just fanciful products of science fiction, but also reflections of Cold War fears, rapid technological advancement, and the uneasy relationship between scientific progress and military might. Tarantula, directed by Jack Arnold, featured a titular monster, born of unchecked experimentation, that symbolized the dangers of science without restraint—a warning that progress could turn predatory. Arnold’s tight direction gives the film a creeping tension and spooky haunting atmosphere that still resonates. In It Came from Beneath the Sea, directed by Robert Gordon, special effects maestro Ray Harryhausen brought a radioactive giant octopus to life in unforgettable stop-motion detail. The film dramatized fears of the deep—both literal and metaphorical—linking nuclear testing with uncontrollable natural retaliation. On the other end of the spectrum, Bert I. Gordon’s King Dinosaur is a textbook example of low-budget outrageousness that entertains in spite of (or perhaps because of) its ludicrous plot, stiff acting, oodles of stock footage, and clumsy rear-projected lizards masquerading as prehistoric beasts. Grab your flamethrowers and portable atomic bombs and join AC and his supersized panel of guests (Joyce Boss, Barry Kaufman, Mark Matzke, Joseph Wycoff) as we celebrate a trio of black-and-white sci-fi classics filled with messages, metaphors, and monsters!! -------------------------------------------------------- JOYCE MIHARA BOSS teaches world literature and cinema, myth, and Japanese popular culture at Wartburg College. Her academic publications and presentations have focused on various topics related to Godzilla, yōkai, global fandom, and Japanese religion and folklore. BARRY KAUFMAN has been committed to spreading the gospel of obscure horror and science-fiction cinema since writing the fanzines Monsters of Japan and Demonique in the 1970s and 80s. He ran All-Horror Video out of a house in the woods in Homewood, Illinois through the 1980s, followed by his shop The House of Monsters in Chicago from 1996 to 2007. He now vends at genre related shows and programs festivals in the Chicago area featuring his inconspicuous film favorites. MARK MATZKE is the narrative voice of numerous Small Town Monsters documentaries such as “Sasquatch Unearthed.” He's featured on STM's YouTube series "UFOs Revisited,” and has written for Stephen Bissette’s upcoming “Cryptid Cinema 2,” Nostalgia Digest and G-FAN. JOSEPH WYCOFF is a veteran Chicago actor now based in New Zealand, with onscreen credits ranging from “Ash vs Evil Dead” to the Power Rangers to Josh Ruben’s Heart Eyes (2025). -------------------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER (1986/1990) d. John McNaughton (USA) Tonight we take a look back at one of the most disturbing and uncompromising horror films ever made: Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer. Loosely inspired by the real-life confessions of Henry Lee Lucas, John McNaughton’s debut feature is relentless in its refusal to offer comfort, catharsis, or a triumphant finale of good over evil. Originally slapped with an X rating, which made it nearly inaccessible for years, Henry is no ordinary 80s slasher. And what it lacks in graphic cinematic splatter, it makes up for in atmosphere and dread.   Michael Rooker, in a chilling breakout performance, grimly underplays Henry as an illiterate drifter who ends human life without remorse, logic, or pattern. Henry doesn’t kill for pleasure. He kills because… it’s simply what he does. Murder, for him, is as routine as breathing. McNaughton, working from a script co-written with Richard Fire, doesn’t make a cheap exploitation horror film. He delivers a sincere, unsentimental character study. The film follows Henry across a bleak, anonymous Midwest to the urban locales of Chicago, shot with natural lighting, real locations, and minimal music, intentionally blur the line between fiction and reality. With strong supporting performances by Tracy Arnold as a young woman fascinated with Henry, and Tom Towles as her lowlife brother (and sometime accomplice to Henry’s crimes), Henry remains a stark, nihilistic entry in the canon of independent and regional American horror that still manages to shock and surprise, decades after its troubled release. Join AC and his cadre of confrontational horror fans (Aaron AuBuchon, Ben Beard, Rigo Garay, Hunter Johnson, Jonathon Lucas) as they celebrate 35 years of the wide release of Henry!! ----------------------------------------------------------- AARON AUBUCHON is a film professor and writer, and also an editor, director, motion graphics artist and producer. He is also co-host of the Discover the Horror podcast. https://discoverthehorror.com/ BEN BEARD is the author of The South Never Plays Itself, The Bad Class, Four Horses Seven Seals, and I Never Told You I Was Any Good: The Life and Films of Joseph H. Lewis, among other books. He lives in Chicago with his wife and three daughters. https://bwbeard.com/ RIGO GARAY is a writer/actor/director from Long Island, NY, currently and joyfully employed at Glass Eye Pix (founded by horror auteur Larry Fessenden). He has been seen onscreen in Crumb Catcher (d. Chris Skotchdopple), Blackout (d. Larry Fessenden), and The Leech (d. Eric Pennycoff), as well as TV roles on Blue Bloods, Law & Order: SVU, and Law & Order: Organized Crime. He is preparing for his directorial feature debut, PULL: A DARK COMEDY, currently in pre-production. HUNTER JOHNSON is an actor, producer, and writer born in Wisconsin, educated in Chicago, experienced in L.A., and currently living in MO. He is the co-creator of the HORROR VILLAINS podcast. https://linktr.ee/lahorrorcom JONATHON LUCAS is a horror fiend from Australia whose love for the genre predates his brain’s ability to form memories. He contributed the essay for At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul for Hidden Horror, and has appeared numerous times as a panelist for H101wDrAC. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

MASTERS OF HORROR was a horror anthology series like none before, making its small-screen bow on the cable channel Showtime in October 2005. Created by Mick Garris, the show brought together some of the most renowned names in horror filmmaking to direct hour-long episodes that showcased their unique visions. Predating the wave of multi-voiced anthology films like V/H/S and ABCs of Death, each episode was a self-contained story, with genre icons such as John Carpenter, Dario Argento, Tobe Hooper, Stuart Gordon, John Landis, Joe Dante, and Don Coscarelli, alongside newer voices such as Lucky McKee and Takashi Miike, exploring different themes and scenarios ranging from supernatural terror to the murderer next door. The idea behind the series emerged from informal dinners hosted by Garris, with established horror directors sharing ideas and mutual admiration for one another, as well as discussing the genre’s rich history and diversity. The first season, featuring 13 episodes from 13 directors, received praise for its bold storytelling and atmospheric tension, pushing the boundaries of cable television, delivering graphic content that rivaled R-rated horror films and giving these horror auteurs a creative freedom rarely found, especially on television. 20 years later, Masters of Horror remains a cult favorite, ripe for rediscovery by a new generation. A bold artistic experiment that ended up being a cultural, critical, and commercial success for Mick Garris and his merry band nightmare makers. Join AC and his intrepid panel of anthology fans (Jay Kay, Eli LaChance, Tim Palace) as we celebrate two decades of MASTERS OF HORROR! ------------------------------------------------------- ELI LACHANCE is a horror writer, chemist, and paleontology enthusiast. He is currently starting his last year in UMSL’s MFA in creative writing program. He resides in St. Louis, Missouri with his wife, dog, and two cats, one of which may be the living dead. Some of his writing can be found in Medium Chill and on Channel-31.com. When he’s not writing, he loves walking with his dog, bird watching, and hunting fossils. https://channel-31.com/ JAY KAY is the creator of the Rondo-nominated horror podcast, Horror Happens, where he has conducted hundreds upon hundreds of interviews with genre celebrities. He is also a staff writer with HorrorHound Magazine. TIM PALACE is a lifelong Chicago-based genre fan with a particular devotion to the horrific. A committed collector of physical media, Tim has amassed close to 13,000 titles he's excited to share with his new terror tyke Oliver. ----------------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!!

JAWS (1975) d. Steven Spielberg (USA) JAWS 2 (1978) d. Jeannot Szwarc (USA) JAWS 3D (1983) d. Joe Alves (USA) JAWS: THE REVENGE (1987) d. Joseph Sargent (USA) From its harrowing opening sequence to the breathtaking climax, Steven Spielberg’s hugely successful masterpiece of suspense and thrills, JAWS (1975), scared audiences out of the water and into theaters in record-breaking numbers. On the surface, the plot is simplicity itself: The locals of the northeastern island town of Amity start turning up as fish food when an enormous great white shark materializes, leaving fear and body parts in its wake. Peter Benchley’s adaptation (with able help from Carl Gottlieb) of his own bestseller charts the wise course of creating vivid characters that are as memorable as the scenes of teeth-chomping terror. Armed with a top-notch cast of Roy Scheider as the local sheriff with a healthy fear of water, Richard Dreyfuss as a feisty oceanic expert, and the brilliant Robert Shaw as the gnarled shark hunter Quint, there is nary a wasted onscreen moment. Despite being plagued with endless technical problems during production, the 26-year-old Spielberg ratchets up the tension time and again, each sequence more nail-biting than the last. And his efforts are made all the more effective by John Williams’ Oscar-winning score, one of the most famous in movie history. By focusing equally between its engaging, likable human protagonists and the monster shark’s mayhem, a modern horror classic emerged, one that still commands our respect and enthusiasm a half-century later. Join AC and his crew of landlubbing enthusiasts (Fraser Coffeen, Katie McLean Hainsworth, Anish Jethmalani, Kevin Matthews, Ryan Olson) as we celebrate 50 years of JAWS!! ----------------------------------------------------- FRASER COFFEEN is the co-host of Creepy History, a podcast dedicated to all the creepy stuff you wish they taught you in High School. He’s been published in Horror Homeroom magazine and How to Analyze and Review Comics. KATIE MCLEAN HAINSWORTH is a Chicago-based performer/writer, whom you can regularly find on both the DARK NEXUS and FAWX & STALLION podcasts. She’s happily guested on HORROR 101 a few times as well as on Roll For Impact’s THE STRANGER. ANISH JETHMALANI is Chicago Actor who has been on stages and screens for 30 years. You may recognize him from the horror flick Girl on the Third Floor with CM Punk. He is passionate Cinephile who contributed an essay on The Omen for the original HORROR 101: The A-List of Horror Films and Monster Movies. You can find him on letterboxed at https://letterboxd.com/ajet/  KEVIN MATTHEWS posts a movie review daily on the For It Is Man's Number blog, and is one quarter of the Raiders of the Podcast team who have been putting out weekly episodes for over six years. https://linktr.ee/raidersofthepodcast  RYAN OLSON (aka S. Ravenlord of The Cold Beyond music group) is the owner of Deadspeak Design and Night World Records, as well as a member of the Synapse Films street team and a regular on the Synapse Films podcast. His work has been featured in Liquid Cheese, Horrorhound, & Evilspeak Magazines. ----------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

RE-ANIMATOR (1985) d. Stuart Gordon (USA) BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR (1990) d. Brian Yuzna (USA) BEYOND RE-ANIMATOR (2003) d. Brian Yuzna (Spain) Stuart Gordon’s debut feature Re-Animator is a fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek blend of horror, sci-fi, and dark comedy that helped define the splatter subgenre of the 1980s. Loosely based on H.P. Lovecraft’s serialized novella and set at the fabled Miskatonic University, the wildly intense Herbert West (deliciously played by Jeffrey Combs) embarks on a series of experiments to bring the dead back to life—with increasingly chaotic and outrageous results. Re-Animator leans fully into its mad-scientist premise, delivering practical effects that are by turns grotesque, absurd, and weirdly funny. Bruce Abbott, Barbara Crampton, Robert Sampson, and David Gale round out the cast, grounding the onscreen madness with enjoyably full-blooded characterizations. Balancing horror and satire with sanguinary flair, Re-Animator is gleefully macabre and wickedly entertaining. Its over-the-top tone, energetic pacing, and fearless style earned it cult status, two sequels, a stage musical, and enduring adoration from genre fans of all ages. It’s a manic, fluorescent-green celebration of science-gone-wrong—and it still feels delightfully messy, manic, and totally unpredictable—a dizzing rollercoaster of science-gone-wrong that still feels fresh, funny, and furiously unhinged. Join AC and his dazzling panel of guests (Sarah Binion, Anna Ceragioli, Mike Mayo, Chris Wylie) as we celebrate 40 years of RE-ANIMATOR!! ------------------------------------------------------ SARAH BINION is a self-taught horror fan who has turned the simple question "What's your favorite horror movie?" into a personal mission to uncover hidden gems and overlooked masterpieces in the genre. ANNA CERAGIOLI is a Chicagoan who lives for horror movies. From throwing horror-themed dinner parties, playing Monster Bash in her pinball league, or chilling with a Goblin vinyl, it’s all horror all the time for her. MIKE MAYO has written several books about film and popular culture, among them VideoHound’s Horror Show and American Murder. He is also the author of the Jimmy Quinn historical suspense novels set in Prohibition-era New York. https://www.mike-mayo.com/ CHRIS WYLIE is the co-host of Deep Cuts Horror Trivia in Chicago, and an avid lover of psychological and trash horror. He believes we need to stop shaming people for not having seen certain movies, and has had his ass kicked by Batgirl on film. ----------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD (aka THE GATES OF HELL) (1980) d. Lucio Fulci (Italy) Tonight we're returning to the eerie and bonkers world of Italian horror with a film that defies conventional storytelling — Lucio Fulci’s City of the Living Dead, known to American audiences as The Gates of Hell. Following up on the success of Zombie the year before, City of the Living Dead marked a turning point in Fulci’s career, steering him away from the multitude of genres he had previously worked in, into the surreal, apocalyptic horror that would ultimately come to define his legacy within the genre. Working with screenwriter Dardano Sacchetti, composer Fabio Frizzi, and special effects wizard Gino de Rossi, Fulci crafted a story where atmosphere outweighs logic, favoring mood and shock value over a linear plot. Despite — or perhaps because of — its fragmented narrative, this is a film that you feel more than follow, a surreal, almost metaphysical approach to horror, one that leaves audiences disoriented, fascinated, deeply unsettled, and hungry for another viewing Join AC and his amazing panel of guests (Jonathon Lucas, Dave James Parker, Larry Sternshein, Nathaniel Thompson) as we explore City of the Living Dead’s place in Fulci’s career and in Italian genre cinema, and why it continues to resonate with horror fans 45 years later. ------------------------------------------- JONATHON LUCAS is a horror fiend from Australia whose love for the genre predates his brain’s ability to form memories. He contributed the essay for At Midnight I’ll Take Your Soul for Hidden Horror. DAVE JAMES PARKER is a YouTube film reviewer, collector, and former indie actor who has been running the Mr. Parka YouTube channel and podcast for over 15 years. In recent years he has started a deep dive into 1980s horror films where he often collaborates with horror journalist, podcasters, and authors to discuss an assorted mix of genre films. He has made appearances in notable indie horrors Headless and Applecart. LARRY STERNSHEIN is a lifelong movie fan in Colorado and host of the movie memories podcast "Reel Early." Not only does he love talking about horror and action cinema, but is also a big pro wrestling fan. NATHANIEL THOMPSON has recorded 300 audio commentaries and written five books, most recently The FrightFest Guide to Vampire Movies. You can see him in shows like Eli Roth's History of Horror and Horror's Greatest, and read him yammering about all kinds of movies at mondo-digital.com. ------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

PEEPING TOM (1960) d. Michael Powell (UK) A provocative psychological thriller and a daring exploration of voyeurism, Michael Powell’s PEEPING TOM tells the story of Mark Lewis, a withdrawn cameraman filled with deep pain and dark secrets. Powell’s brilliant examination of the human urge to look—but not be seen looking—turns Mark’s camera into both weapon and mirror. Peeping Tom is a film about watching, made in a medium built for being watched. Powell, fully aware of cinema’s voyeuristic nature, floods the narrative with images of seeing, watching, and being seen—even including a blind character who “sees” more than others. Most disturbingly, Powell offers a psychopathic killer as the protagonist, forcing audiences not just to sympathize, but to identify with him—even more brazenly than Hitchcock’s Psycho, released the same year to far greater acclaim and success. Audiences in 1960 Britain were unprepared for such a confrontational and honest viewpoint, and the film was condemned, reviled, and effectively ended Powell’s career at home. For decades, Peeping Tom languished in obscurity, more referenced than seen firsthand. Today, 65 years later, it is rightfully recognized as a visionary masterpiece—an unflinching look at the dark heart of cinema itself. 👁️ From taboo-breaking storytelling to its lasting legacy in the genre, Peeping Tom is more than a film—it’s a lens into horror’s darkest instincts. Join AC and his awesome panel of guests (Christianne Benedict, Dave M Gray, Mackenzie Parker, Lee Price) as they celebrate 65 years of PEEPING TOM! 📺 New horror history episodes every Friday night – Subscribe and hit the bell 🔔 to join the class! ----------------------------------------------------------------- CHRISTIANNE BENEDICT is a cartoonist, film writer, malcontent, and Bloginatrix at https://krelllabs.blogspot.com DAVE “M” GRAY is currently a test subject in a subterranean mad science lab and allowed to send proofs of life to Raiders of the Podcast (raidersofthepodcast.blogspot.com or anywhere you podcast) and Twitch (twitch.tv/sh4ggyr4nd) weekly. MACKENZIE PARKER is a filmmaker living in Los Angeles. He studied at Northern Illinois University and the Moscow Art Theater. He has worked on TV shows such as Sons of Anarchy and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and is currently working as a staff editor for Digital Alliance. LEE PRICE has dedicated his career to celebrating our history and culture (including horror films!) through freelance writing and 25 years with the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts. He is a guest blogger at “Wonders in the Dark.” ---------------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

MANIAC (1980) d. William Lustig (USA) Celebrating 45 years of William Lustig’s Maniac (1980) — a cult horror classic that’s part slasher, part psychological descent, and all Joe Spinell. Wildly controversial and undeniably influential, Maniac (1980) is one of the most unsettling slasher films of the early 1980s. Directed by William Lustig and starring Joe Spinell—who also co-wrote the screenplay—Maniac follows Frank Zito, a deeply disturbed and isolated man driven by trauma, navigating the grim streets of New York City. Unlike many slasher movies of the era, Maniac is a psychological horror film that focuses less on body count and more on the fractured mind of its killer. Tom Savini’s legendary practical effects are a standout, as is Lustig’s raw portrayal of urban decay. Jay Chattaway’s synth-heavy score and Robert Lindsay’s gritty cinematography contribute to a haunting atmosphere that has helped cement the film’s cult classic status. Criticized upon release for its extreme violence and perceived misogyny, Maniac has since been reevaluated as a bold example of independent horror cinema—transgressive, unforgettable, and essential viewing for fans of character-driven horror. Join AC and his awesome panel of guests (John W. Bowen, Art Ettinger, Nicola McCafferty) as we celebrate 45 years of MANIAC! ------------------------------------------------ JOHN W. BOWEN has been a columnist, reviewer and feature writer for Rue Morgue magazine since 1999, and has also written sporadically for more (...cough...) “civilized” publications, including the Kingston Whig-Standard, The Toronto Star and Kingston Life Magazine. Born in Dallas and raised in Kingston, Ontario, he is also a professional musician and recovering strip club DJ. ART ETTINGER is the editor of Ultra Violent Magazine, a public defender, and a Razorcake record reviewer. He lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where his lifelong obsessions with punk rock and horror/exploitation cinema continue to consume him. NICOLA MCCAFFERTY is a PhD candidate in the department of Radio, Television, and Film at Northwestern University. Her research looks at screen representations of nonhuman women such as mannequins, dolls, robots, and aliens in order to deconstruct the overlapping categories of whiteness, humanity, and femininity. Outside of grad school, Nicola has a few stray bylines at Dread Central, has seen every Kristen Stewart movie, and runs an Etsy store (https://www.etsy.com/shop/vvitchroom/?etsrc=sdt) where she sells enamel pins, stickers, and prints inspired by horror and cult films from the 1960s to today.  ------------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

BATTLE ROYALE (2000) d. Kinji Fukasaku (Japan) How did Battle Royale become one of the most influential survival horror films of all time? In this HORROR 101 panel, we dive into Kinji Fukasaku’s controversial cult classic—an ultra-violent dystopian thriller where 42 students are forced to kill or be killed. Based on Koushun Takami’s novel, Battle Royale blends brutal action with haunting emotion, earning its place as a defining work of J-horror and 2000s cinema. Join AC and his incredible panel of J-Horror enthusiasts (Michelle Kisner, Grant Kuchan, Tyler Pistorius) as we explore the film’s horror roots, its commentary on youth, government control, and media spectacle, and how it helped shape everything from The Hunger Games to Fortnite. ----------------------------------------- MICHELLE KISNER is a film critic, freelance writer, and physical media advocate. She has contributed to several websites to include The Cultural Gutter and The Movie Sleuth and is also a member of the Michigan Movie Critics Guild. GRANT KUCHAN is a writer of pulp, wellness coach, and a real swell guy. He plays in any Jug Bands that let him. One day he’ll finish another novel, which will probably be available on Amazon, as well as at most Darktower Comics locations across the greater Chicagoland Area. The horror movie that still gives him nightmares is Matango. He saw it when he was six, and still doesn’t eat mushrooms. TYLER PISTORIUS is an actor, screenwriter, and producer living in Chicago. His recent works include Death is Business and A Missed Connection, and is currently in development on a new project. ------------------------------------------ Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

1970 was a breakthrough year for vampire cinema — sexier, bloodier, and bolder than ever before. In this episode of HORROR 101, Dr. AC and his panel explore five iconic films that redefined the vampire mythos for a new era: COUNT YORGA, VAMPIRE (USA) – A modern bloodsucker stalks the streets of Los Angeles. HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS (USA) – Barnabas Collins goes full Gothic on the big screen. THE VAMPIRE LOVERS (UK) – Hammer Horror leans into eroticism with Ingrid Pitt as Carmilla. COUNT DRACULA (Spain) – Jess Franco directs Christopher Lee in a rarely faithful take on Bram Stoker’s novel. THE NUDE VAMPIRE (France) – Jean Rollin’s surreal art-horror vision blends sci-fi and sexuality. 🎙️ Featuring special guests: Chad Hawks, Barry Kaufman, Alan Tromp, and Bobby Zier. If you're into classic horror, cult cinema, or just love a good vampire flick, this one’s for you. New episodes every Friday night!

REPULSION (1965) d. Roman Polanski (UK) Co-written and directed by Roman Polanski, Repulsion (1965) is a landmark psychological horror film that explores the mental disintegration of a young woman, Carole (expertly played by Catherine Deneuve), living alone in London. Polanski's first English-language feature—and the first in his iconic “Apartment Trilogy,” followed by Rosemary’s Baby and The Tenant—Repulsion dives deep into themes of isolation, sexual repression, and psychological trauma. When Carole’s sister leaves her alone for two weeks, paranoia and terrifying hallucinations take over her world. Polanski masterfully uses the apartment setting (designed by Seamus Flannery), Gil Taylor’s surreal camerawork, and Stephen Dalby’s eerie sound design to visualize Carole’s descent into madness. Cracking walls, grasping hands, and nightmarish shadows blur the line between reality and delusion, all set to Chico Hamilton’s moody jazz score. Join AC and his panel of horror enthusiasts (Dodd Alley, Matthew Amador, Thomas Puhr, and Elena Romea) as we analyze Repulsion’s lasting influence, its place in horror history, the complicated relationship between art and artist, and why it remains one of the 1960s' most disturbing and enduring works. --------------------------------------------- DODD ALLEY is an author (Gamers and Gorehounds: The Influence of Video Games on the Contemporary American Horror Film) and has a Masters in Film Studies from Ohio University, where he taught courses on Cult Cinema and Hollywood Reflexive films. MATTHEW AMADOR is an actor and owner of Matador Behavioral Health, where he utilizes narrative fiction as a means to process trauma and anxiety through psychotherapy.  www.MatadorChicago.com  THOMAS M. PUHR's writing has appeared in Bright Lights Film Journal and the Los Angeles Review of Books, among others. His book, Fate in Film: A Deterministic Approach to Cinema, is available from Wallflower Press. He is the co-host of Gut Punch, a new film podcast from Beneficial Shock! magazine. ELENA ROMEA is the creator behind SpanishFear.com and Horror Rises from Spain. A researcher in literature and cinema, she holds a Ph.D. in Spanish Studies with a dissertation about the filmmaker José Val del Omar. Her work explores themes of estrangement, horror, myth, and cultural conflict. ------------------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

PHENOMENA (1985) d. Dario Argento (Italy)  Perhaps the only “insect detective” movie out there on the shelves, featuring a very young Jennifer Connelly (released one year before Labyrinth) as the daughter of a famous American movie star sent away to study at an exclusive Swiss girl’s academy, whose students just happen to be falling victim to a homicidal killer. But as this is an Argento movie, things are hardly what they seem. Those familiar with Donald Pleasance primarily for his increasingly loony portrayals of Dr. Loomis in the Halloween series should check out his fine, subdued work here as a wheelchair-bound entomologist with a wavering Scottish accent, while Deep Red’s Daria Nicolodi adds another winning portrayal to her CV as the troubled Frau Bruckner. The strong opening half hour is followed by a middle section riddled with kinetic fits and starts, with a bizarre, gory ending that has “kitchen sink” writ large upon it. (All eyes on the monkey.) Argento elects for a song score comprised of myriad recording artists (including Bill Wyman, Motorhead, and Goblin), and while much of it works, it occasionally calls attention to itself rather than complementing the onscreen action (particularly with Iron Maiden’s offerings).  Potentially a bit much for the uninitiated, but those accustomed to Argento’s lack of narrative logic and flair for the unexpected will enjoy the ride. In honor of the film's 40th anniversary, we have a full house (of horrors): Jon Kitley (Kitley's Krypt, Discover the Horror), Bryan Martinez (The Giallo Room), Adam Rockoff (Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film, The Horror of It All), and Lawrence P. Raffel and Carl Lyon (Monsters at Play, FEARNet) sharing reminiscences about bootleg tape trading, early internet message boards and usernames, and, of course, their first encounters with PHENOMENA and how their feelings have changed (or not) over the years. Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

MOTEL HELL (1980) d. Kevin Connor (USA) “It takes all kinds of critters to make Farmer Vincent’s Fritters.” So runs the tagline for 1980’s Motel Hell, an endearing oddball combo of black humor and horror, featuring veteran character actor Rory Calhoun as Vincent, the proprietor of the Motel Hello, where the O on the neon sign keeps going on the blink. Vincent and his equally wacky sister Ida (a pre-Porky’s Nancy Parsons) make their living by ensnaring unsuspecting motorists to fill up the skins of their famous Farmer Smith sausages. For his first American feature, Kevin Connor took a break from directing Amicus’ fantasy epics (such as The Land that Time Forgot, At The Earth’s Core, and Warlords of Atlantis) to helm the madness provided by the sibling screenwriting/producing team of Robert and Steven-Charles Jaffee, and does a smashing job balancing the chainsaws and chuckles. Calhoun and Parsons are terrific in their respective roles, and the spirited set-up and multitude of off-the-wall vignettes have earned Motel Hell a lasting cult reputation, distinguishing it from the glut of slashers emerging around the same time. Join AC and his awesome panel of guests (Jessalyn Abbott, S.A. Bradley, Eric Fritzius, Jen Olson, John Pata) as we head on down to the farm and celebrate 45 years of Motel Hell! -------------------------------------------------------- JESSALYN ABBOTT is a writer, producer and editor. She produced and edited LIKE ME which premiered at the 2017 SXSW Film Festival and was nominated for a grand jury award. Her most recent effort, PuLL: A Dark Comedy, is currently in pre-production. S.A. BRADLEY hosts the “Hellbent for Horror” podcast, is the author of “Screaming for Pleasure: How Horror Makes You Happy and Healthy,” and lectured at Webster University and The College of Idaho. His show, “My Horror Manifesto,” played in NYC. ERIC FRITZIUS writes things, acts in others and records mouth noises sold in the form of audiobooks. You can find his stuff at MisterHerman.com JENNIFER OLSON is a lifelong horror fan and mother of three monster kids. She is a former member of The Flint Horror Con, and currently part of the Synapse Films street team! JOHN PATA lives in Wisconsin. He’s made some horror films, he’s hosted some horror stuff, and he’s read some horror books. ------------------------------------------------ Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

DEAD OF NIGHT (1945) d. Various (UK) A landmark horror film, 1945’s Dead of Night was produced by Britain’s famed Ealing Studios and directed by a team of mostly younger upstarts including Charles Crichton, Basil Dearden, and Robert Hamer, with veteran Alberto Cavalcanti and producer Michael Balcon marshaling their forces. Widely regarded as one of the earliest and most influential horror anthology films, Dead of Night presents a quintet of eerie and imaginative stories linked by a chilling framing narrative: an architect arrives at a country house, only to realize he’s been there before—in a recurring dream. As he shares this realization, the guests recount a series of supernatural tales involving haunted mirrors, ghostly hearses, creepy ventriloquist dummies, and more. Combining original stories and adaptations, Dead of Night blends psychological horror with dark humor, setting the blueprint for anthology series like The Twilight Zone, Tales from the Crypt, and Black Mirror. Its influence still echoes through horror cinema today. Lock your doors, pour yourself a cup of tea, and enjoy some bite-sized nightmares as AC and his incredible panel of guests (Christianne Benedict, Cati Glidewell, John McDevitt, Lee Price, Alan Tromp) celebrate the 80th anniversary of Dead of Night! BONUS: Here's the link to Lee's article referenced throughout: https://wondersinthedark.wordpress.com/2025/05/15/dead-of-night-1945-50-clinical-observations/ --------------------------------------------- CHRISTIANNE BENEDICT is a cartoonist, film writer, malcontent, and Bloginatrix at https://krelllabs.blogspot.com JOHN MCDEVITT is a lifelong cinephile who programs two recurring film events in Chicago: SUPER-HORROR-RAMA!, a weekly horror gathering with film screenings at Sideshow Gelato, and Fetish Film Forum, a monthly screening series about fetish, kink, leather, and BDSM at the Leather Archives & Museum. John is fascinated by all genres of cinema and appreciates horror most of all for its willingness to explore what makes us uncomfortable and for the compassion it often extends to its characters and the viewer.  CATI GLIDEWELL (aka The Blonde in Front) is a Chicago-based film critic, lifelong cinephile, film festival jury member, and a member of Chicago Indie Critics since 2020. You can find her on all social media platforms, as well as Post Mortem radio and Radio of Horror on YouTube. LEE PRICE has dedicated his career to celebrating our history and culture (including horror films!) through freelance writing and 25 years with the Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts. He is a guest blogger at “Wonders in the Dark.” ALAN TROMP is a golden age Monster Kid, who has published articles in Filmfax, Twilight Zone Magazine, and We Belong Dead publications in the UK. He was scriptwriter for the shot-on-video nightmare, The Soul Eaters. --------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

HOUSE OF USHER (1960) d. Roger Corman (USA) PIT AND THE PENDULUM (1961) d. Roger Corman (USA) Journey into the heart of gothic horror with House of Usher, Roger Corman’s moody and mesmerizing film version of Edgar Allan Poe’s short story. Released in 1960, Usher marks the beginning of Corman’s AIPoe series, his celebrated octet of Poe-inspired works, and it’s an atmospheric triumph of mood and style. Leading the cast is the legendary Vincent Price, in one of his most memorable roles, the fragile and haunted Roderick Usher—a man convinced that his family line is cursed and must come to an end. Price is joined by Mark Damon and Myrna Fahey, all making a meal of Richard Matheson's swirling dialogue. Belying the film’s moderate budget, Corman and cinematographer Floyd Crosby’s rich dramatic lighting lend a grand, visual presence. Daniel Haller’s stylized Usher sets become a living extension of the family’s doom, while Les Baxter’s moody musical cues evoke a decaying grandeur. Join AC and his legendary panel of guests (Jorge Didaco, Dave M. Gray, David Del Valle) as we celebrate 65 years of HOUSE OF USHER! ------------------------------------------------------ JORGE DIDACO is a Brazil-based teacher on theatre, performance, and film. He contributed the essays for The Innocents for Horror 101: The A-List of Horror Films and Monster Movies and In a Glass Cage for Hidden Horror. DAVE “M” GRAY is currently a test subject in a subterranean mad science lab and allowed to send proofs of life to Raiders of the Podcast (raidersofthepodcast.blogspot.com or anywhere you podcast) and Twitch (twitch.tv/sh4ggyr4nd) weekly. DAVID DEL VALLE is a renowned film historian, journalist, and commentator specializing in horror, science fiction, and cult cinema. He has contributed to publications like Fangoria and Cinefantastique, and produced Vincent Price's only interview focused on his horror career. Del Valle's books include Lost Horizons Beneath the Hollywood Sign and Six Reels Under. ----------------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

SHIVERS (1975) is a wonderfully squirmy milestone in body horror — and David Cronenberg’s sleazy, slimy debut. A high-rise residence is thrown into chaos when a strange parasite begins turning tenants into uninhibited, sex-crazed versions of themselves. Part science fiction, part sleazy exploitation, Shivers introduced many of the themes that Cronenberg would return to again and again throughout his half-century behind the camera: disease, transformation, sexuality, technology, ethics, identity, and isolation. Not bad for a government-funded Canadian horror flick that can also be described as: “sex slugs take over the world.” Produced by Ivan Reitman (Stripes, Ghostbusters, Kindergarten Cop), Shivers also features a perfectly off-kilter pair of performances from horror legends Barbara Steele and Lynn Lowry, alongside gloriously gooey practical effects by makeup maestro Joe Blasco. The film caused a media firestorm in Canada when word got out that taxpayer dollars had helped fund such a graphic and subversive movie — but that controversy only boosted its cult status and ticket sales. In the 50 years since its release, Shivers has been reappraised as a bold, brainy, and deeply weird classic of horror cinema — a film that helped define Cronenberg’s voice and changed the genre forever.  Join AC and his awesome panel of guests ( Emily Barney, Jason Coffman, Kate Hansen, John McDevitt, Cullen Wade) as we revisit Shivers, dissect its legacy, and celebrate one of the most bizarre and brilliant debuts in horror history. --------------------------------- EMILY BARNEY is a Chicagoan studying Czech language. She has an obsession for Czech and Slovak movies, which she blogs about at emily-barney.com. She's also a lifelong horror movie fan, the weirder the better. JASON COFFMAN is the Unrepentant Cinephile. Former contributor to Daily Grindhouse and Film Monthly (RIP). Director of Housesitters and occasional "recording artist." Proud owner of 35mm prints of Andy Milligan's Guru, the Mad Monk and Zalman King's Two Moon Junction. On Letterboxd at https://letterboxd.com/rabbitroom/ KATE HANSEN is a music teacher with a penchant for horror. She has been published in magazines like Ultra Violent and Horrorhound. She likes dogs, enjoys the smell of campfires, collects VHS, is afraid of heights, and has only ever received two speeding tickets.  JOHN MCDEVITT is a lifelong cinephile who programs two recurring film events in Chicago: SUPER-HORROR-RAMA!, a weekly horror gathering with film screenings at Sideshow Gelato, and Fetish Film Forum, a monthly screening series about fetish, kink, leather, and BDSM at the Leather Archives & Museum. John is fascinated by all genres of cinema and appreciates horror most of all for its willingness to explore what makes us uncomfortable and for the compassion it often extends to its characters and the viewer. CULLEN WADE is the author of S(p)lasher Flicks: The Swimming Pool in Horror Cinema, out in 2025 from McFarland Books. Follow him on letterboxd @tobe_whooper and Bluesky @cullenwade.bsky.social -------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

THE SHINING (1980) d. Stanley Kubrick (USA) THE SHINING (1997) d. Mick Garris (USA) DOCTOR SLEEP (2019) d. Mike Flanagan (USA) The Shining (1980) remains one of the most iconic and unsettling horror films ever made. Based on Stephen King’s novel but wildly reimagined through writer/director Stanley Kubrick’s unique vision, this “masterpiece of modern horror” tells the story of Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel. As the unforgiving Colorado winter traps him, his wife Wendy and their son Danny inside, supernatural forces send them spiraling into madness and unforgettable terror. 45 years later, The Shining continues to inspire filmmakers, critics, and horror fans alike, sparking endless analysis and debate, challenging us to look deeper with every viewing. Its eerie imagery, narrative ambiguity and dreamlike atmosphere have cemented its place as a lasting part of horror cinema history. Join AC and his outstanding panel of guests (Kait Astrella, Ana Marie Cox, Daniel Ekholm, Anish Jethmalani, Bobby Zier) as we celebrate the film’s groundbreaking cinematography, uncanny sound design, and timeless performances by Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Scatman Crothers, and little Danny Lloyd, as well as the deeper symbolism and hidden meanings that have surrounded The Shining for decades. --------------------------------------- ANA MARIE COX is a writer and podcaster. She co-hosts the sci-fi podcast Space the Nation and the work and life podcast Past Due. Her work appears in The New Republic and elsewhere. She lives in Austin and deeply trusts horror and sci-fi to tell the truth. KAIT ASTRELLA is a librarian, archivist, and indie book publicist working in New York City. Find her posting about printed books and strange fiction on Instagram @kastrella2 DANIEL EKHOLM has written about film in several Swedish magazines, including Moviezine, which is the leading film magazine in Sweden. He also contributed the essay on The Blob (d. Chuck Russell, 1988) for Hidden Horror. Daniel would like to write his own book about horror films one day, but since fair use does not exist in Sweden, he started writing a children's book that he plans to finish at some point. ANISH JETHMALANI is Chicago Actor who has been on stages and screens for 30 years. You may recognize him from the horror flick Girl on the Third Floor with CM Punk. He is passionate Cinephile who contributed an essay on The Omen for the original HORROR 101: The A-List of Horror Films and Monster Movies. You can find him on letterboxed at https://letterboxd.com/ajet/ BOBBY ZIER has a passion for Dracula and runs a TikTok/IG and YouTube channel called Lugosi Theatre. ‪@LugosiTheatre‬  He recently received his second “Monster Kid of the Year” Rondo Award for his efforts in keeping classic horror alive and well. ---------------------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

CUJO (1983) d. Lewis Teague (USA) THE DEAD ZONE (1983) d. David Cronenberg (USA) CHRISTINE (1983) d. John Carpenter (USA) Four decades ago, in the latter half of 1983, three films based on the works of a rising horror star hit theaters. Having already attracted such established veterans Stanley Kubrick and George A. Romero, as well as rising stars like Brian De Palma and Tobe Hooper, to helm the big-screen adaptations of his novels, STEPHEN KING was quickly becoming a pop culture icon, such that having his name attached to a project (almost) insured box office success. Tonight, AC sits down with authors Darren Callahan and Dan Caffrey to discuss three classic titles: CUJO (d. Lewis Teague), CHRISTINE (d. John Carpenter), and THE DEAD ZONE (d. David Cronenberg). DARREN CALLAHAN: A fan of horror ever since he saw the groundskeeper's head chopped off in Coppola's Dementia 13, Callahan has written drama for the BBC and SyFy, had a few gothic plays produced, inked many killer screenplays, composed a few scary film scores, and is currently producing the shoegaze band The Loud Bangs.  He lives in LA... of course. http://darrencallahan.com/  DAN CAFFREY: Brooklyn-based playwright, screenwriter, podcaster, and lifelong horror fan Caffrey currently co-hosts The Losers' Club: A Stephen King Podcast and Halloweenies: A Horror Franchise Podcast, both on Bloody Disgusting's podcast network, Bloody FM. He received his MFA In Playwriting from UT Austin and has also written as a cultural critic for The A.V. Club, Consequence, Pitchfork, Vox, and elsewhere. His favorite horror movie is Halloween. His favorite movie-movie is also Halloween. https://www.dancaffreywrites.com/  Please let us know YOUR favorite Stephen King adaptation in the comments, as well as your thoughts on the three titles discussed herein. We love hearing from you! Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

SE7EN (1995) d. David Fincher (USA) "This isn't going to have a happy ending." In a decade saturated with onscreen serial killers, David Fincher’s 1995 thriller Se7en redefined the genre and left an indelible mark on modern cinema. Its bleak atmosphere, high-toned philosophy, and haunting narrative dared to confront viewers with uncomfortable truths about justice, morality, and human nature. The story of two detectives, played by Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, tracking a killer whose crimes are based on the seven deadly sins, Se7en is a film that is as meticulous as it is disturbing, as much a meditation on societal decay as it is a procedural. Andrew Kevin Walker’s uncompromising script is elevated by Fincher’s brilliant direction, alongside a host of other creatives at the top of their game. 30 years later, Se7en remains as relevant, provocative, and unforgettable as ever, a masterclass in tension and tone, and a chilling reflection of man’s darker instincts. Join AC and his marvelous panel of guests (Dodd Alley, Dino Clark, Novotny Lawrence, Chris Hainsworth, Katie McClean Hainsworth) as we explore perhaps the darkest of 1990s serial killer flicks. ----------------------------------------------------- DODD ALLEY is an author (Gamers and Gorehounds: The Influence of Video Games on the Contemporary American Horror Film) and has a Masters in Film Studies from Ohio University, where he taught courses on Cult Cinema and Hollywood Reflexive films. DINO CLARK has been a horror fan since he was a wee lad, after his parents bought their first VCR in the mid-80s. Born and raised in Chicago, he loves attending horror cons & chatting about his fave horror films with fellow fans! He has been in Human Resources for most of his career, which can be a mini-horror movie at times. WILLIAM NOVOTNY LAWRENCE is an Associate Professor of Cinema and Media Studies at Indiana University and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Popular Culture. He is the co-editor of the anthologies Blaxploitation Cinema, Beyond Blaxploitation, and the recent Oxford Handbook of Black Horror Film, offering an expansive scholarly examination of Blackness within the horror genre, exploring its global dimensions and cultural significance. CHRIS HAINSWORTH (he/him/his) is an actor/writer/director represented by Big Mouth Talent Chicago. He is a DeathScribe winner 2009 for the audio drama "Remembrance" and author of The Fourth Wall, part of Motel 666 (2015). KATIE MCLEAN HAINSWORTH is a Chicago-based performer/writer, whom you can regularly find on both the DARK NEXUS and FAWX & STALLION podcasts. She’s happily guested on HORROR 101 a few times as well as on Roll For Impact’s THE STRANGER. -------------------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!

THE MUMMY'S HAND (1940) d. Christy Cabanne (USA) THE MUMMY'S TOMB (1942) d. Harold Young (USA) THE MUMMY'S GHOST (1944) d. Reginald Le Borg (USA) THE MUMMY'S CURSE (1942) d. Leslie Goodwins (USA) Tonight we unwrap the 1940s Universal Mummy films! Leaving behind the melancholy tone of the 1932 Boris Karloff original, we were introduced to a new mummy, Kharis, a shambling and bandaged silent avenger played first by Tom Tyler in 1940’s The Mummy’s Hand, celebrating its 85th anniversary, and by Lon Chaney Jr. in three subsequent sequels, The Mummy’s Tomb, The Mummy’s Ghost, and The Mummy’s Curse. Though often overlooked next to Dracula or Frankenstein, the Mummy series has its own weird and atmospheric B-movie charms, with each film picking up—at least loosely—where the last left off, transporting the action from Egypt to small-town New England to the swamps of Louisiana, all while ignoring the passage of time in any realistic fashion. With brief running times and minimal budgets, these creature features found a formula that worked: moldy murders by moonlight, duplicitous high priests, and lots and lots of tana leaves, while also conjuring unique traits for every installment. Join AC and his extraordinary panel of classic horror lovers (Barry Kaufman, Frank Merle, Michael Weber) as we pay our long overdue respects to this unfairly maligned franchise, the one that made the mummy a true monster icon in the Universal canon. ----------------------------------------- FRANK MERLE is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker originally from Chicago, IL. He has written and directed several award-winning and critically-acclaimed films, including The Employer (2013), starring Malcolm McDowell and Billy Zane, and From Jennifer (2017), starring Derek Mears and Tony Todd. Next up is Namaka, a dark fantasy starring Jamie Kennedy and David Howard Thornton. BARRY KAUFMAN has been committed to spreading the gospel of obscure horror and science-fiction cinema since writing the fanzines Monsters of Japan and Demonique in the 1970s and 80s. He ran All-Horror Video out of a house in the woods in Homewood, Illinois through the 1980s, followed by his shop The House of Monsters in Chicago from 1996 to 2007. He now vends at genre related shows and programs festivals in the Chicago area featuring his inconspicuous film favorites. MICHAEL WEBER is an actor, director, and currently the Artistic Director of Porchlight Music Theatre. A Chicago native, his fascination with classic horror began with WGN's legendary Creature Features and The Son of Svengoolie. He is an avid fan of the Golden Age of Radio and the author of the play, WAR of the WELLeS (about Orson Welles’ infamous radio broadcast.)  -------------------------------------------------------- Keep Searching, Keep Exploring, and, most of all, Keep Sharing the Scare!