Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster (Review)

Director: Thomas Hamilton
Writers: Thomas Hamilton, Ron MacCloskey
Cast: Peter Bogdanovich, Ron Pearlman, Guillermo del Toro, Sara Karloff, Stephanie Powers
Year: 2021
Min: 99

This 2021 autobiographical documentary is about horror legend Boris Karloff's life and, in particular, his career. In the pre-credits, it mentions and talks about the later part of his career: IE Mario Bava's classic anthology Black Sabbath, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, and Peter Bogdanovich's Targets. From there it goes back in time, into his early work discussing his breakthrough role in James Whales' Frankenstein and his follow-up role in The Mummy. It is from here that we go into his rough upbringing and journey into his acting career, including his involvement with SAG, and his following roles, right into his passing. 

Throughout its running time there are some great interviews with experts and legends on the genre and Karloff, as well as those who knew and/ or worked with him. Those interviewed include, but are not limited to David J. Skall, John Landis, Guillermo del Toro, Karloff's daughter Sara Karloff, Joe Dante, and many more. These interviews are informative, entertaining, and loving in nature. And, to be honest, I could listen to guys like Skall, del Toro, Landis, and Dante talk horror movies all day long!

Learning that he had a rough childhood, thanks to his father who was abusive to him and his mother, was wholly new information to me. In fact, I knew nothing about his pre-Hollywood days, till watching this douc. But, then there are many fascinating facts that are revealed both through interviews and the excellent narration. The documentary is never boring and always feels like you are learning something new about this legend or basking in the glorious admiration so many rightfully have for him. 

A couple of moments even hit me and really warmed my heart, as in when the late, great Dick Miller (a cult horror legend and favorite in his own right) talking about working with him in Roger Corman's The Terror. Corman, himself, appears, and as is the case with any interview with him, provides truthful and insightful facts about movie productions. In this case being in reference to the aforementioned The Terror and the preceding flick The Raven, both of which, of course, featured Karloff.

Other captivating moments include the scene where Karloff, as the monster, throws the little girl into the water in Frankenstein. I knew the scene was cut back then but didn't know the exact details. And, I certainly didn't know Karloff's thoughts on this classic moment in the genre. Later we have various interviewees discussing one of my favorite movies of Karloff' and Bela Lugosi's career, The Black Cat. They mention its boundary pushing subject matters of Satanism and necrophilia. 

Then there is talk of the struggle Karloff had finding work in the early days of the horror hating Hays Code. As well as, his work for horror producer Val Lewton, and so many more great moments. In fact, the discussion on the the three Lewton movies is extensive and fully engrossing. And, finally, as a long time convention goer, the part where his daughter Sara Karloff speaks of meeting fans and seeing and hearing their love for her father, is a truly touching highlight all its own.

It's also great to hear how TV airing classic horror movies revitalized his career the 50s and 60s . We learn that thanks to this, he got to do a lot of television roles and appearances and a string of movies in this later part of his life. Among these include the beloved Targets, highlighted by an interview with its director Peter Bogdanovich. His words on the making of it are inciteful and captivating. The fact that he so recently passed away makes this interview with the legendary and respected director that much more memorable. 

Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster is a wonderful, informative and, above all, affectionate documentary. It serves as both a testament to Karloff's incredible body of work and as a loving tribute to him. The interviews speak with a great amount of deserved reverence and admiration for him and his movies and roles. The facts revealed are illuminating and fascinating. The docu, itself, is never, not even for a split second, boring, as it is always entertaining watch. As such, its an absolute must watch for fans of Karloff and classic horror, in general. The documentary also ranks as one of the finest, utterly enjoyable, and perhaps most heartwarming ones on horror movies. You'll be able to see it and enjoy it yourself, when it begins streaming on Shudder on January 27, 2022.

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Shudder: November 2020 Highlights for US

NOVEMBER 2020 U.S. HIGHLIGHTS 

titles also available on Shudder Canada, UK and ANZ as noted

SHUDDER ORIGINAL/EXCLUSIVE MOVIES

 

BLOOD VESSEL — November 5

Somewhere in the North Atlantic, late 1945, a life raft adrift at sea, and in it, the survivors of a torpedoed hospital ship. With no food, water, or shelter, all seems lost until a seemingly abandoned German minesweeper drifts ominously towards them, giving them one last chance at survival—if they can survive the bloodthirsty monsters on board. Starring Nathan Phillips (Wolf Creek), Alyssa Sutherland (Vikings), Robert Taylor (Longmire), directed by Justin Dix (Crawlspace). A SHUDDER EXCLUSIVE. (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK) 

Trailer: https://youtu.be/wzLPDkgxRuo 

LINGERING — November 12 (a.k.a. Hotel Lake)

Seeking support as the guardian of her younger brother, Yoo-mi returns to a small hotel run by a family friend. As bizarre incidents creep up in her mother’s old room, Yoo-mi will have to unravel the supernatural mystery and discover the truth before it’s too late. Starring Lee Se-young (Memorist), Park ji-young (The Concubine), directed by Yoon Eun-kyoung. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ) 

Trailer: https://youtu.be/us-_8VpdlLs 

 

LEAP OF FAITH: WILLIAM FRIEDKIN ON THE EXORCIST — November 19

A lyrical and spiritual cinematic essay on The Exorcist, Leap of Faith explores the uncharted depths of William Friedkin’s mind’s eye, the nuances of his filmmaking process, and the mysteries of faith and fate that have shaped his life and filmography. The film marks the sixth feature documentary from Philippe (78/52, Memory: The Origins of Alien), continuing his thoughtful analysis of iconic genre films. Starring William Friedkin. Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL. (Also available on Shudder Canada, Shudder UK and Shudder ANZ) Trailer: https://youtu.be/p5FXjdKxgrA 

PORNO — November 24

When five repressed teen employees at a local movie theatre in a small Christian town discover a mysterious old film hidden in its basement, they unleash an alluring demon that is determined to give them a sex education...written in blood. Starring Robbie Tann, Katelyn Pearce, Evan Daves, Larry Saperstein (High School Musical: The Musical series), Jillian Mueller (The Last O.G.), Glen Stott (The Good Fight), directed by Keola Racela (Above the Sea). A SHUDDER EXCLUSIVE. (Also available on Shudder Canada and Shudder UK)
Trailer: https://youtu.be/-JiWnGQgKNk 

 

NEW COLLECTIONS FOR NOVEMBER

 

THE MARIO BAVA COLLECTION — November 23

A master of Gothic, a genius of giallo and a Godfather of Italian Horror—Shudder celebrates the legacy and influence of Mario Bava with a collection spanning his first foray into fright, Black Sunday to his final gem, Shock. 

Featuring: A Bay of Blood, Black Sabbath, Black Sunday, The Girl Who Knew Too Much, KIll Baby Kill, Lisa and the Devil, Shock and The Whip and The Body

 (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

ALL NEW TITLES FOR NOVEMBER

 

November 2

EMELIE (Director: Michael Thelin)

As their parents head out for a date in the city, the three young Thompson children – Jacob, Christopher and Sally – immediately take to their new babysitter Anna, who seems like a dream come true: she’s sweet, fun, and lets them do things that break all of their parents’ rules. But as the night creeps along and Anna’s interactions with them take on a more sinister tone, the kids slowly realize that their caretaker may not be who she claims to be. Soon it’s up to big brother Jacob to protect his siblings from the increasingly nefarious intentions of a very disturbed woman whose weapon is trust, and whose target is innocence. Starring Sarah Bolger, Joshua Rush, Carly Adams. (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

SALEM’S LOT (Director: Tobe Hooper)

Driven by inner forces even he cannot understand, novelist Ben Mears returns to his hometown to write about a mysterious mansion that has intrigued him since childhood. But he discovers a horrifying secret: The community is slowly becoming a village of vampires.  Starring David Soul, James Mason, Bonnie Bedelia 

 

URBAN LEGEND (Director: Jamie Blanks)

Dr. Wexler, professor of American Folklore, states that urban legends exist only to convey hidden moral lessons for all who hear them. But the students at New England's Pendleton College are finding out just how fatal these stories can really be. When a series of murders occurs at the school, student Natalie begins to notice a bizarre link between the killings. Starring Jared Leto, Alicia Witt, Rebecca Gayheart, Robert Englund 

 

November 5

BLOOD VESSEL (see above for details)

 

November 9

BLOOD & FLESH: THE REEL LIFE AND GHASTLY DEATH OF AL ADAMSON (Director: David Gregory)

“Horror Film Director Found Slain, Buried Under Floor,” screamed the 1995 headlines read ‘round the world. But the truth behind the wild life of Al Adamson—including the making of his low budget classics and his grisly death—reveals perhaps the most bizarre career in Hollywood history, as retold in this captivating documentary. Featuring Al Adamson, John 'Bud' Cardos, Robert Dix, Marilyn Joi, Gary Kent (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

CHERRY TREE (Director: David Keating)

After learning dad’s leukemia has advanced, Faith is stunned when her teacher approaches her with a devilish deal. If Faith gets pregnant and hands the baby over for a sacrifice, the sorceress will heal poor papa. But there’s always a catch, and when Faith realizes what she’s actually agreed to, the sweet deal goes sour very fast. David Keating’s follow-up to Shudder favorite Wake Wood. Starring Anna Walton, Naomi Battrick, Sam Hazeldine. (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

November 12

LINGERING (see above for details)

 

November 14

SATURDAY THE 14TH (Director: Howard R. Cohen)

In this horror comedy, John and Mary can't believe their good fortune when they inherit the vast estate of John's recently departed uncle. Sure, it's a fixer-upper. But there's nothing that can't be taken care of with a fresh coat of paint, a little dusting ... and maybe an exorcist! Monsters, mayhem, and mirth descend upon the house and only a mysterious book can save this everyday normal family from Saturday's paranormal activity. Starring Richard Benjamin, Paula Prentiss, Jeffrey Tambor (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

November 16

ARE WE NOT CATS? (Director: Xander Robin)

After losing his job, girlfriend, and home in a single day, a desperate thirty-something accepts a delivery job upstate. There he stumbles upon Anya, a beguiling and mysterious young artist who shares his proclivity for eating human hair. While their shared obsession bonds these two loners together, it also takes them on a perverse and disturbing journey in one of the most exciting and singular American indies of recent years. Starring Michael Nicholson, Chelsea Lopez, Michael Godere. (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

BLOOD OF WOLVES (Director: Kazuya Shiraishi)

Rookie detective Shuichi Hioka is assigned to the East Kurehara precinct’s Second Investigation Division, which boasts the best arrest rate in the Hiroshima Prefectural Police. He and his new partner Shogo Ogami, a veteran detective rumored to be in cahoots with the mob, are tasked with investigating the disappearance of an employee of Kurehara Finance, a front company for the Kakomura-gumi organized crime group. Starring Koji Yakusho, Tori Matsuzaka. (Also available on Shudder Canada, UK and ANZ)

 

COHERENCE (Director: James Ward Byrkit)

On the night of an astronomical anomaly, eight friends at a dinner party experience a troubling chain of reality bending events. Part cerebral sci-fi and part relationship drama, Coherence is a tightly focused, intimately shot film that quickly ratchets up with tension and mystery. Starring Emily Baldoni, Maury Sterling, Nicholas Brendon 

 

LET THE CORPSES TAN (Director: Helene Cattet, Bruno Forzani)

Belgian filmmakers Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani trade in the crushed velvet and creeping shadows of their giallo-worshiping first two films (Amer, The Strange Color of Your Body’s Tears) for blistering sun, creaking leather and raining bullets in this glorious homage to 1970s Italian crime films. Based on a classic pulp novel by Jean-Patrick Manchette and featuring vintage music cues by Ennio Morricone, Let the Corpses Tan is a deliriously stylish, cinematic fever dream that will slamfire your senses like buckshot to the brain. Starring Elina Lowensohn, Stephane Ferrara, Bernie Bonvoisin (Also available on Shudder Canada)

 

November 19

LEAP OF FAITH (see above for details)

 

November 23

THE MARIO BAVA COLLECTION:

A BAY OF BLOOD, BLACK SABBATH, BLACK SUNDAY, THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH, KILL BABY KILL, LISA AND THE DEVIL, SHOCK and THE WHIP AND THE BODY

 

November 24

PORNO (see above for details) 

 

###

 

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Unearthing Universal's THE MUMMY (1932) for a Second Time

 

Last night was the first time since I was in college that I watched Universal Pictures' classic The Mummy. And, I have to say I quite enjoyed my second viewing of it, far more than I did when I first saw it. I still think it is highly flawed and can see why while being considered a classic it is not usually put on as high on the pedestal as some of the other Universal classics, like say The Bride of Frankenstein, Frankenstein, or The Wolfman.

The story is fairly simple. An ancient Egyptian priest named Imhotep (Boris Karloff) is resurrected after his mummy is found in an expedition and a sacred scroll is read. Ten years later our bandaged baddie is no longer bandaged and is now under the disguise of a man called Ardath Bey. He tells two archaeologists, one of them being Frank (David Manners) the son of one of the men from that original expedition, that he has found the tomb of the princess Ankh-es-en-amon. They take her mummy to a museum. But, we soon learn that there is a woman named Helen Grosvenor (Zia Johann) who is a reincarnation of her. Being as she was the love of his life, he is determined to bring her back to life through her and kill all those who stand in his way, using his supernatural powers. He is particularly pissed off with Frank, who has fallen in love with the lovely lady.

Back, when I first saw it, I was really bored by the movie. On this second viewing, I was much more entertained by it. This by no means says that it is the most exciting movie. The pacing is decidedly slow and despite his powers, I don't think he ever comes off as truly scary. Especially when you consider the less than exciting but still kinda cool looking thing that happens to him at the end. The fact is also that not a lot actually happens in the movie, and the climax is decidedly abrupt and somewhat underwhelming. That all being said, though, I would give this movie a solid 3 out of 4 stars, and I would go as far as saying that it is a better movie than Dracula, though not historically more important than it.

The supporting cast is good for what they do. That said, our romantic male lead, Frank, is really kinda useless, and his relationship with Helen is sort of forced and unbelievable. But, this is the 30s so romance is not necessarily written in the manner it would be today.  Nor are female characters as Helen is a very weak female character, but at least when she is full princess mode is given a little more to do then some of her other Universal female counterparts. She also looks pretty good in the princess out fit.

But, let's not fucking bullshit anyone here, this is Karloff's game all the way. He manages to add as much menace as he can to the character. Most imposing is the way he looks at the camera using his powers to get what he wants. Given the chance to speak also adds depth to his monster, as well as sympathy. We kinda feel bad for the dude, even if he does have a tendency to cause heart-attacks with his mystical powers. The flashback to ancient Egypt is really cool looking, and I have always liked the beginning when the still bandaged mummy comes back to life. The there is the memorable line delivered by Helen early in the movie of "Do you have to open graves to find girls to fall in love with?" when talking to Frank. This is not only my favorite quote in this movie, but one of my favorite quotes in all of golden aged horror. It was sampled by metal band White Zombie, by the way, many years later.

Jack Peirce's makeup is excellent! I have always loved the way that the mummy looks at the beginning of the film. It is truly iconic. But, and here is another thing I didn't like when I first saw it, he spends too little time in that look and more as the lesser made-up look. Which, I came to far more accept this time around, as it does makes sense for the plot. But, still, the kid in me wants more mummified mummy!


The movie was another huge hit for the studio, which gave us a semi-remake in The Mummy's Hand, which itself spawned three sequels, and a spoof with Abbot and Costello. I saw all of these, minus the spoof, but I remember very little if anything of them. The superior take on the subject would come by way of Hammer studios and their awesome The Mummy. Universal, themselves, remade the movie into a bloated and stupid action/ horror flick in 1999, which spawned two better but still not very good sequels, and a spin-off franchise of it's own, The Scorpion King. Honestly, the only good thing I can say about those mummy flicks is they tended to have a sexy female cast but not very much else! Shame they never took it in the true horror route that they should have.

My revisit came via the beautiful blu-ray that Universal put out. It looks stunning and the sound is quite good. I ain't checked-out the extra-features yet but plan to soon. And, so I think that you may need to take a another look at this old, rotted baddie, even more so now with some good Halloween sales out there (for those of you who don't own it yet), and just cause Universal movies kick ass, in particular when watching them during this time of year.

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Horror Viewings for October 2012

As is the tradition for this blog and me, it's time to talk about all the movies, I've watched so far this month (and I really try to only watch horror movies in Oct). As always, I do it in hopes of helping you pick some good horror flicks to watch in this, THE greatest time of the year! So let's get this started already!

All reviews are out of 4 stars.

Emaunelle and the Last Cannibals- My favorite Joe D'Amato flick and my fav Laura Gemser flick, I revisited this fun mix of softcore erotica and cannibalistic horror after doing a write up for Best-Horror-Movies.com on the best exploitation horror flicks. Lesbians, babes, cannibalism, gore, full frontal female nudity, sex, and hairy bushes, what more do you need? ***1/2

Mark of the Vampire- Todd Browning directs Bela Lugosi as a vampire in this mystery/ horror flick. Great atmosphere and sets, but the ending is fucking AWFUL and a total letdown. It ruins the whole thing. Shame. **








Frankensweenie- This touching, funny, and loving tribute to classic horror is one of Burtonn's very best. I laugh and I cried in this wonderful tale of a little boy whose cute doggie dies, and he resurrects it. The climax kicks major ass. Ranks among the best films of the year, so far! ***1/2

Black Death- From director Christopher (Severance) Smith comes this well acted, especially by Sean Bean, tale of witch-hunting, the bubonic plaque, and paganism. I think this makes for a very fine companion piece to the amazing Witchfinder General.***







Squirm- I been a fan of this one since I was a little kid. This killer worm flick is the best non-giant killer invertebrate flick ever! ***1/2







Frankenstein- The second best horror film of the golden age, this Karloff/ James Whales classic never fails to captivate. And, truth be you need to watch at least one Universal and/ or Hammer film during the Halloween season. ****








Maniac Cop- Since I will be dressed as Matt Cordell, the Maniac Cop himself, for my friend's wedding, I figured I would revisit this fun William Lustig action/ slasher flick. Bruce Campbell and Tom Atkins both add great genre support to tit. While the second film is the superior one, I don't own that one cause it's OOP (out of print), so I did my role research with this one. BTW, the tagline of this one (you can see it on the poster to the left), is a personal favorite of mine.**1/2




Paranormal Activity 4- I'm not sure what possessed (pun intended) me to see this in the movies, as I have only seen the first film. I liked said movie, but admit ably the whole found footage thing is something I'm fucking tired of. But, I think the appeal of Katie Featherston's amazing cleavage called me. I expected nothing, so I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be fun. A new family adopts creepy kid and shit goes bad for them. It's a got fun sense of humor and is actually pretty funny. There are tons of jump scares, some of which work, most of which don't. Still, it's much better than it really has any right to be. Of course, if you hate this series, this one won't change your thoughts or anything. But, with an open mind and no expectations you may like, too. ***

 
The Black Cat- This boundary pushing (for then) pre-Hayes Codes golden age horror flick has Karloff play a Satan worshiper and Lugosi in a rare turn as a hero. It's so fucking good! Both are top form. Karloff is chilling and there is genuine sympathy to be felt for Lugosi. The movie adds Satanic rituals and allusions to necrophilia, as well as a climatic off-screen skin flaying that ranks as one of the best moments in old school horror film history. A masterpiece that is my fav Lugosi flick, my fav non-Frankenstein Karloff, and my fav colab between them. ****

Anyway, I would love to know what horror movies you have been or plan to watch this season. I hope you all have a fun, spooky, and safe time.

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