The Literary License Podcast

Season 2 Episode 36 - 2 FOR ONE: Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) / Saved! (2004)

Monty Python’s The Life of Brian (1979)
 
Written by Monty Python (Graham Young, John Cleece, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gillam and Terry Jones) and directed by Terry Jones, this would end up being one of the most successful films of 1979.
 
After completing and releasing their film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, they were debating on what their next project would be. As they had a distrust for organised religion.  Looking at Jesus as not a comical feature and what Jesus is known for and spoke was not exactly comedy material but what about mistaken identity.  This would springboard The Life of Brian.  The film would be filmed in Tunsia and use most of the sets from the miniseries of Zefferelli’s Jesus of Nazereth even using most the crowd extras.
 
The film would court controversy and be banned in numerous countries.  Monty Python would use this in their advertising campaign to full effect. 
 
Saved!  (2004)                      
 
Directed by Brian Dannelly and written by Dannelly and Michael Urban, this film is a teen comedy touching on religion, ostracism, homophobia, teen pregnancy, divorce and disability.
 
The film was released with mixed reviews due to its subject matter but be successful enough to earn is cult status today.  The film has also spawned an off Broadway musical with the same name.  At the time, the film’s good reviews were from film critics whilst the Christian presses gave it negative reviews. 
 
The film stars Mandy Moore, Mary Louise Parker, Macaulty Caulkin, Patrick Fugit and Martin Donovan.  Love it or hated, this will be one film that will keep the controversy going.
 
We are joined by C. Derrick Miller, author of Taste of Home and Far From Home out now through Black Rose Writing.  You can find more information about C. Derick Miller on his Website:  or you can follow them on Twitter:  or via Facebook:  
 
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (3.50); Forming the Plot (9.35); Commercial Break (17.15); Film Trailer (17.47); Outlining the Script (21.10); Scene by Scene (21.44); Forming the Plot (57.00); Commercial Break (1.00.17); Film Trailer (1.00.48); In Sequence (1:03.21); Lights, Camera, Action (1:04.02); Epilogue (1:25.47); End Credits (1:35.19); Closing Theme (1:37.12)
 
Opening Credits – Always Look On A Bright Side Of Life – Eric Idle from the album Monty Python’s Life of Brian - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
 
Closing Credits – Blue Christmas – by Elvis Presley from the album Christmas with Elvis and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
 
All songs rights reserved
All song available through Amazon.
 

Season 2 Episode 35 - BOOK TO SCREEN: Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
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Music Andrew Lloyd Webber; Lyrics and Book by Tim Rice
 Film Directed by Norman Jewison
 
A rock opera conceived and written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in 1970, the album would be a huge success with two songs becoming international hits ‘Superstar’ by Murray Head and ‘I Don’t Know How To Love Him’ by Yvonne Elliman  Interestingly enough, Yvonne Elliman’s song was done in one take with no rehearsals.
 
The Rock Opera would eventually be staged on Broadway and around the world before academy award winning director Norman Jewison would bring it to the screen.  Using mostly a combination of the Broadway, original concept  and touring company casts, and moving filming to Israel and the Middle East.  The film was a critical and audience success finishing out the year as one of the most successful film of 1973. 
 
The film would star Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman, Barry Dennan, and Bob Bingham.  Interesting fact is that Barry Dennen had a relationship with Barbara Striesand and help work out her night club act which would lead to her stardom. 
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (4.35); Forming the Plot (10.01); Page to Page (6.44); Commercial Break (37.08); Film Trailer (37.38); Commercial Break (41.04); Lights, Camera, Action (42.21); Epilogue (1:31.12); End Credits (1:3.4.11); Closing Credits (1:35.01)
 
Opening Credits:  Superstar – Murray Head taken from the original 1969 concept album Jesus Christ Superstar
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Closing Credits: White Christmas – by The Drifters– Taken from the album White Christmas – The 50 Best Christmas Songs
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All rights reserved.
 
All music available through Amazon.

Season 2 Episode 33 - SHUDDER: November 2018

Keith Chawgo and Vickie Rae discuss Shudder and their picks of what to see each month on this incredible fantastic online services that gives it's audience the best of dark fiction, horror and thriller genres.  The site has so much to offer and we each pick three of our best viewing for the month.  

Season 2: Episode 33 - ALFRED HITCHCOCK: Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
 
Alfred Hitchock’s Shadow of a Doubt with a script written by Thornton Wilder (Our Town), Alma Reville and Sally Benson, the film deals with people are not what they seem in this classic film.
 
The film would be one of Hitchcock’s own personal favourite.  The film would later be adopted in two remakes and one radio drama and would be known as Hitchcock’s first indisputable masterpiece.  The film is now part of Library of Congress film for culturally important.
 
The film stars Theresa Wright, Joseph Cotten and Hume Cronyn. 
  
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (2.35); Forming the Plot (10.59); Commercial Break (16.32); Film Trailer (17.02); Commercial Break (18.17); Lights, Camera, Action (18.49); Commercial Break (55.36); Epilogue (56.47); End Credits (58.09); Closing Credits (59.17)
 
Opening Credits:  Theme from Shadow of a Doubt from the album Alfred Hitchcock Extraordinaire by Dimiti Tomkin
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Closing Credits: Charlie – by Big Pig– Taken from the album Bonk!.
 
All rights reserved.
 
All songs are available through Amazon.

Season 2: Episode 32 - 2 FOR ONE: The Thing (1982)/The Faculty (1998)

The Thing (1982)
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Directed by John Carpenter with screenwriting duties going to Bill Lancaster, the film was initially released with very negative reviews and flopped at the box office.  It was one of the first films to gain an audience via home video.  The reason maybe is that aliens have become cuddly due to the release of ET the same year so the audience were not ready for a being that was nihilistic in tone.
 
The film since its release is now considered one of the science fiction or horror film ever made.  It has spawned sequels, copycat films and even a successful computer game.  The 1982 novelisation sold extremely well.
 
The film stars Kurt Russell, A Wilford Brimley, T K Carter, and Keith David.  Interestingly enough that the original film ‘The Thing from Another Planet’ is the film shown on the television in the ultimate horror icon films, Halloween.
 
The Faculty (1998)
 
Directed by Robert Rodriquez and written by Kevin Williamson based on an original script by David Wechter and Bruce Kimmel.  The film would be known as a mix of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Thing, Terminator, The Breakfast Club with a pinch of Stepford Wives.
 
Although it did well at the box office upon its initial release, the film has since been criticised for its lack of punch though horror and science fiction fans have given the film a cult classic status due to the many references throughout the film.  The film would go on to become a short-lived television series.
 
The film starred Elijah Wood, Salma Hayek, Piper Laurie, Jordana Brewster, Josh Hartnett, Robert Patrick and Famke Janssen.  
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (4.00); Forming the Plot (16.33); Commercial Break (27.50); Film Trailer (28.24); PSA (30.20); Outlining the Script (31.04); Scene by Scene (31.38); Forming the Plot (1:27.42); Commercial Break (1.33.32); Film Trailer (1.34.03); Commercial Break (1:35.04);   In Sequence (1:35.46); Lights, Camera, Action (1:36.24); Epilogue (2:13.04); End Credits (2:14.39); Closing Theme (2:15.44)
 
Opening Credits – Theme From The Thing – composed by Ennio Morricone from the album The Thing – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
 
Closing Credits – Shape Shifter – by Lera Lynn from the album Resistor
 
All songs rights reserved

Season 2: Episode 31 - BOOK TO SCREEN: Who Goes There? (1938) / The Thing From Another World (1951)

Who Goes There? By John W Cambell (1938)/The Thing From Another World (1951) Directed by Christian Nyby
 
Sometimes referred as The Thing, this 1951 black and white picture from Howard Hawkes is a true cult picture.  Directed by Charles Nyby with a script by Charles Lederer (Gentleman Prefer Blonds, Front Page, His Girl Friday) and it is based on short story Who Goes There by John W Campbell.
 
The film reflects a post-Hiroshima scepticism about science and a negative view on scientists who meddle with things that should be left alone.  The film was a surprise hit and would in later years be added to the Library Congress as a film that is culturally important.
 
The film stars James Arness, , Margaret Sheldon, Kenneth Tobey and Robert Cornthwaite.  This film is considered one of the best science fiction horror films of the 1950’s.
 
We are joined by Steven L Kent and Nicholas Kaufmann (authors of 100 Fathoms Below) available at all good book stores.
 
You can keep in touch with Nicholas Kaufmann by clicking on the following links:
 
Website: http://www.nicholaskaufmann.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicholas.kaufmann.79
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKaufmann
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholas_kaufmann/
 
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (2.22); Forming the Plot (10.01); Page to Page (11.31); Commercial Break (35.46); Film Trailer (36.24); Infomercial Break (37.54);    Commercial Break (38.37); Lights, Camera, Action (39.19); Epilogue (1:25.15); End Credits (1:28.16); Closing Credits (1:31.09)
 
Opening Credits:  Theme From The Thing From Another World – From the motion picture soundtrack The Thing From Another World – by Dimitri Tiomkin
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Closing Credits: It Came From Outer Space – by Photon Tropodoes – Taken from the album It Came From Outer Space
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All rights reserved.
 
 

Season 2 Episode 30 - ALFRED HITCHCOCK: The Birds (1962)

The Birds (1962)
 
Alfred Hitchcock 1962 release of The Birds was an experimental film that was loosely based on the 1952 novel by Daphne du Maurier.   The screenplay by Evan Hunter better known as Ed McBain which he wrote under for his crime novels. 
 
The film is culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant in 2016 by the Library of Congress.  The film would also be known for its unusual soundtrack which is minus any musical soundtrack or song composition but in fact is supplied by bird sounds.  This would give the film its own eerie significance in high suspense and at the time, out this world special effects. 
 
The film stars Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy, Veronica Cartwright and Suzanne Pleshette. 
 
We are joined by our special guest co-host Rob Kirby award winning graphic artist of the Curbside series.
 
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (5.06); Forming the Plot (17.04); Commercial Break (33.49); Film Trailer (34.22); Commercial Break (36.32); Lights, Camera, Action (37.27); Epilogue (1:12.39); End Credits (1:17.03); Closing Credits (1:18.42)
 
Opening Credits:  Theme from The Birds – from the Original Soundtrack The Birds and This is the Picture (Excellent Birds) by Peter Gabriel and Laurie Anderson from the album So.
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Closing Credits: Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep – by Middle of the Road– Taken from the album Greatest Hits.
 
All rights reserved.
 
All songs are available through Amazon.

Season 2: Episode 29 - 2 FOR ONE: Suspiria (1977)/The Witch (2015)

Suspiria (1977) 
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Dario Argento’s masterpiece written by his then wife Daria Nicolodi and Argento himself, the story centres around the first of the three mothers trilogy which would continue the story in the films Inferno and Sins of the Mother. 
 
The film would need to be cut by eight minutes due to violence to get a hard “R” rating.  The film has since been released with all scenes fully implemented in an uncut format.  Known to be a cornucopia for the eyes and ears though its use of sound and colour, Suspiria would take horror to a whole new level using these two devices to tell a story. 
 
The film stars Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Udo Kier and Joan Bennett (Dark Shadows) in her last film role.
The Witch (2015)
 
Written and directed by Robert Eggers in his first debut, The Witch is a period supernatural film which tells the story of a family in the 1600’s living on their own rife with their own superstitions.
 
The film was shot using only natural light and candles given the film its own unique look.  The film would also adapt using 1600’s English language and shooting in a very remote are in Canada to give it credence to the subject material.
 
The film starred Anya Taylor Joy, Ralph Ineson and Kate Dickens and would go on to win numerous awards and become an instant horror classic within its own right.
 
We are joined by our special guest co-host Robert Kirby (award winning cartoonist of the classic series Curbside) and Tristan Drue Rogers, author of the new novel Brothers of Blood.
 
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (8.09); Forming the Plot (12.40); Commercial Break (22.46); Film Trailer (23.18); Commercial Break (25.01); Page to Page (25.33); Outlining the Script (25.01); Commercial Break (1.06.58); Film Trailer (1.07.32); In Sequence (1:10.02); Lights, Camera, Action (1:11.17); Epilogue (1:45.46); End Credits (1:50.53); Closing Theme (1:53.20)
 
Opening Credits – Suspiria – composed by Goblin from the album Suspiria – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
 
Closing Credits – Waking the Witch – by Kate Bush from the album Hounds of Love
 
All songs rights reserved
 
All music available through Amazon.

Season 2: Episode 28 - SHUDDER: October 2018

Keith Chawgo and Vickie Rae discuss Shudder and their picks of what to see each month on this incredible fantastic online services that gives it's audience the best of dark fiction, horror and thriller genres.  The site has so much to offer and we each pick three of our best viewing for the month.  
​
Shudder is service that anyone can join for the low cost of $4.99 (US) or £4.99 (UK).  It is a truly low cost that will feed its audience everything that is great about this genre.  It excels in independent features that our outstanding and stand against most of Hollywood heavyweights.  Treat yourself to a service that knows it fans and honours them with intelligence.

Season 2: Episode 27 - BOOK TO SCREEN: Witches of Eastwick (1987)

 
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
 
The novel was written by John Updike and originally set in the 1960’s.  The film would update the film to the 80’s with a screenplay  by Michael Cristofer (Gia) and interestingly enough was one of the voices used in the Exorcist.  The film would be directed by George Miller (Mad Max).
 
The film would differentiate from the book but this would not deter the film from becoming a smash casting the likes of Cher, Susan Sarandon, Michelle Pfeiffer, Veronica Cartwright and Jack Nicholson in the main roles.  The film would be known for its heavy handed effects and an over the top comedy performance by Nicholson.  
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Interesting note, Bill Murray was considered by Daryl Van Horne role.
 
We welcome back C Derick Miller (A Taste of Home Series) and Barbara Venkataraman (Jamie Quinn Mystery Series) who joins us for our month of Must Be The Season of the Witch.​
 
You can find C. Derick Miller via the following:
 
Website:
Facebook: 
Twitter:
 
For more information about Barbara Venkataraman, you can follow her via the following:
Goodreads:
Facebook:
Twitter:
 
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (5.30); Forming the Plot (13.16); Page to Page (14.27); Commercial Break (1:04.30); Film Trailer (1:05.05); Commercial Break (1:06.26); Lights, Camera, Action (1:07.10); Epilogue (1:30.53); End Credits (1:37.56); Closing Credits (1:41.02)
 
Opening Credits:  Dance of the Witches – From the motion picture soundtrack Witches of Eastwick – composed by John Williams.
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Closing Credits: Witchcraft – by Book of Love – Taken from the album MMXVI – The 30th Anniversary Collection
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All rights reserved.
 
All songs are available through Amazon.

Season 2: Episode 26 - ALFRED HITCHCOCK: Frenzy (1972)

Frenzy (1972)
 
Known as the last great Hitchcock film, this 1972 film was the first Hitchcock film to show full on nudity and would turn the notch up from the violence we experienced in his earlier film Psycho.  Set entirely in England and using locations set around London as the scene, this film became a box office smash. 
 
Frenzy starred Jon Finch, Anna Massey, Billie Whitelaw, Jean Marsh and Barry Foster.  The script was written by Anthony Schaffer who would go on to write The Wicker Man and screenplays for Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile amongst others.  This is Hitchcock in all his finer tuned qualities to make this his penultimate film before his death. 
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Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (3.23); Forming the Plot (5.27); Commercial Break (14.45); Film Trailer (15.15); Commercial Break (15.55); Scene by Scene (16.38); Lights, Camera, Action (17.22); Epilogue (1:00.30); End Credits (1:02.15); Closing Credits (1:04.12)
 
Opening Credits:  London Theme from Frenzy – by the City of Prague Philhormonic Orchestra from the album Psycho – The Essential Alfred Hitchcock Collection.
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Closing Credits: Psycho Killer – by The Flying Pickets – Taken from the album Lost Boys.
 
All rights reserved.
 
All songs are available through Amazon.
 

Season 2: Episode 25 - 2 FOR ONE: Homicidal (1962) / Dressed to Kill (1980)

Homicidal (1962) 
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William Castle’s now infamous take off of Psycho is now a modern B classic.  Released with a ‘fright break’ where audience, if too scared, could leave and get their money back.  If an audience did want their money back, they would have to sit in a special section called ‘Coward Corner’ and sit there as the audience left before their money was refunded.
 
The film would break box office records and placed on the top ten films of 1962.  The films shock ending surpassed Psycho’s for some critics but the audiences ate it up.  The film starred Jean Arliss (Joan Marshall), Patricia Breslin and Glenn Corbett.   A matter of interest is Jean Arliss whose real name is Joan Marshall would be cast in the pilot of The Munsters as Phoebe Munster but the part would be cast when it was picked up with Yvonne DeCarlo playing the same character but now as Lily Munsters.
Our special guest host Will Millar has written about William Castle.  If you would like more information, you can find them on his blog which are the following links:
Part 1. 
http://inadventofthezombieholocaust.blogspot.com/2012/06/william-castle-part-one.html
 
Part 2.
http://inadventofthezombieholocaust.blogspot.com/2012/07/like-lot-of-people-i-believe-that-kid.html
 
Dressed to Kill (1980)
 
Brian DePalma’s ode to Psycho in his 1980’s classic Dressed to Kill would set a new bar in shock with an already tried formula.  The 80’s audience were not ready for this film when it hit cinemas but it would go on to be a modern horror classic.
 
Released initially with an X rating then trimmed to get a hard R rating, Dressed to Kill would be released as a erotic mystery thriller.   The film stars Nancy Allen, Michael Kain, Angie Dickinson, Keith Gordon and Dennis Franz.  Music score by Pino Donaggio and written and directed by Brian DePalma.
 
We are joined by Matthew Brockmeyer author of Kind Nepenthe, winner of the Maxie award 2018 and Will Millar, author of Infernal Machines and Children of Judas series.  Make sure you check out their work on Amazon which both authors are receiving fantastic reviews and you do not want to miss a single release from these two incredible authors.
 
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (4.26); Forming the Plot (9.17); Prologue (16.35); Commercial Break (17.07); Film Trailer (17.39); Page to Page (20.03); Outlining the Script (54.57); Commercial Break (58.11); Film Trailer (58.42); In Sequence (1:00.51); Lights, Camera, Action (1:12.56); Epilogue (1:51.01); End Credits (1:59.42); Closing Theme (2:02)
 
Opening Credits – Dressed to Kill (Pulsion) – composed by Pino Donnagio from the album Nicholas Winding Refn Presents: The Wicked Die Young
 
Closing Credits – Dressed to Kill – by Cher from the album Closer Than Truth.
 
All songs rights reserved
 
All music available through Amazon.

Season 2: Episode 24: BOOK TO SCREEN: Psycho (1960)

Psycho (1960)
 
The granddaddy of all slasher film, Alfred Hitchcock’s low budget shocker was a milestone as he shot this in black and white with his television crew which is a huge step considering that his previous film was the technicolour masterful North by Northwest.
 
Adapted from the book by Robert Bloch with screenwriting duties by Joseph Stefano, the film would go on to be a true film classic.  The film is also the first horror film to receive four Academy Award nominations.  Often ranked as one of the greatest films  of all time and setting a new level for sex, violence and deviant behaviour in film. 
 
The film stars Anthony Perkins, Janet Lee, Martin Balsam, Vera Miles, John Gavin and Pat Hitchcock.  It also has the classic Alfred Hitchcock brief walk on.  See if you can spot it.
 
We welcome back Vincent di Sante (Never Hike Alone) who joins us on our Season 2 opener.  You can find more information about Vincent di Sante on his website:  https://www.wompstompfilms.com or you can follow them on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/wompstompfilms?lang=en or via Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/wompstompfilms/  If you want to have a special treat, make sure you watch Never Hike Alone available on YouTube now:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K_wkQSM8xM
 
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (3.04); Forming the Plot (15.47); Prologue (18.45); Page to Page (19.11); Commercial Break (1:12.01); Film Trailer (1:12.44); Commercial Break (1:14.24); Lights, Camera, Action (1:14.57); Epilogue (2:29.30); End Credits (2:34.35); Closing Credits (2:36.50)
 
Opening Credits:  Prelude – From the motion picture soundtrack Psycho – composed by Bernard Herrman.
 
Closing Credits: Sweet But Psycho – by Ava Max – Taken from the album Sweet But Psycho.
 
All rights reserved.
 
All songs are available through Amazon.

Season : Episode 23 - SPECIAL EPISODE: Season in Review

Please excuse our technical issues during this issue.  We had a storm which effected our audio a little.  We have endeavoured to ensure that we have edited to the best of our ability.  Thank you for your support.
 
Jon Wilson, Vickie Rae and Keith Chawgo will look back over our first season and discuss our seasonal highlights which will include looking back on all our episodes.  We will also be discussing exciting news for what is coming your way in Season 2.  We will also be looking at our personal highs and lows.  This is an episode that you do not want to miss. 
 
We would like to thank all our fans and listeners who make this worthwhile.  We also would like to thank our special guest co-hosts throughout Season One which include Laurence Hyman Jackson, Vincente di Sante, C Derrick Miller, Joshua Hider, Mandie Harvey, Cassandra Swan, Robert Kirby, Matthew V Brockmeyer, Tristan Drue Rogers and John Hunt. 
 
Opening Credits (.18); Introduction/Season One Review (4.24); Commercial Break (52.33); Intermission (53.06); Commercial Break (53.26); Coming Attractions/Season Two (54.00); Closing Credits (1:13.06)
 
Opening Credits – Chatterbox Pt 2 – by Book of Love – taken from the album MMXVI – The 30th Anniversary Collection
 
Intermission – Intermission – by The Carpenters – taken from the album A Song For You
 
Closing Credits – Aquarius Apocalyptic – by Stop Light Observations – taken from the album Toogoodoo
 
All rights reserved.
 
All songs are available through Amazon.

Season 1: Episode 22 - BOOK TO SCREEN: The Who's Tommy (1975)

Tommy (1975)
 
The first official Rock Opera, Tommy started life as a concept album written by Pete Townsend.  Inspired by the teachings of Meher Baba, a spiritual master in India also known as The Avatar.  The story centres around a blind, deaf and dumb boy who finds enlightenment playing pinball. 
 
Several of the songs such as ‘Sally Simpson’ were inspired by The Doors concert which ended in violence and John Entswistle would cover the darker themes of bullying and sexual abuse.  The album was a smashed though it did not have a clear narrative. 
 
In 1972, a concert production went into production as a one off with the London Symphony Orchestra and which would include the vocal talents of Rod Stewart, Graham Bell, Maggie Bell, Sandy Denny, Steve Winwood, Richard Harris, Richie Havens, Merry Clayton and the Who. 
 
In 1975, Ken Russell would bring the rock opera to screen which would include Jack Nicholson, Oliver Reed, Elton John, Ann Margaret, Tina Turner, Robert Powell and a host of others would form the main characters.  The film would move around and add plot points to add a more cohesive structure to the original concept album. 
 
The film would become a box office smash.  Ann Margaret would go on to earn an Academy Award nomination for her role as Tommy’s mother. 
 
Opening Credits (.20); Introduction (4.43); Forming the Plot (8.29); Prologue (12.52); Page to Page (15.10); Commercial Break (24.51); Film Trailer (25.27); Commercial Break (27.25); Lights, Camera, Action (27.59); Epilogue (1:15.35); End Credits (1:20.11); Closing Credits (1:21.08)
 
Opening Credits – It’s A Boy/1921 – by The London Symphony Orchestra with feature vocalist Sandy Denny, Maggie Bell and Steve Winwood from the album The Who’s Tommy.
 
Closing Credits – Pinball Wizard – by Elton John from The motion Picture Soundtrack Tommy
All rights reserved.
 
Music available through Amazon.
 

Season 1: Episode 20 - BOOK TO SCREEN: The Exorcist (1972)

The Exorcist (1972)
 
Based on a true story of demonic possession in 1949 which William Peter Blatty heard about whilst being a student at Georgetown University in 1950.  Aspects of the character Father Merrin were based on the British archaeologist Gerald Lankester Harding, who had excavated the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls had been found and whom Blatty had met in Beirut. Blatty has stated that Harding "was the physical model in my mind when I created the character [of Merrin], whose first name, please note, is Lankester."
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Aspects of the novel were inspired by an exorcism performed by the Jesuit priest, Fr. William S. Bowdern, who formerly taught at both St. Louis University and St. Louis University High School.
 
Recent investigative research by freelance journalist Mark Opsasnick indicates that Blatty's novel was based on an actual 1949 exorcism of a young boy from Cottage City, Maryland, whom Opsasnick refers to using the pseudonyms Robbie Mannheim and Roland Doe. The boy was sent to his relative's home on Roanoke Drive in St. Louis where most of the exorcism took place.
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Blatty refers to the Loudun possessions and the Louviers possessions throughout the story, mostly when Fr. Karras is researching possession and exorcism to present the case to his superiors.  He also has one of his characters tell a brief story about an unnamed fraudulent Spiritualist medium who had studied to be a Jesuit priest. This story can be found in Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research, Vol. 114. 1930, in an article about fraudulent practices by Daniel Dunglas Home.
 
The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards winning two for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound Mixing.  The film would also win 4 Golden Globe Awards including Best Motion Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor and Best Screenplay. 
 
Opening Credits (.19); Introductions (1.39); Getting To Know Us (2.03); Forming the Plot (10.22); Prologue (13.30); Page to Page (14.26); Commercial Break (1:03.37); Film Trailer (1:04.03); Commercial Break (1:05.47); Lights, Camera, Action (1:06.23); Epilogue (1:51.02); End Credits (1:55.03); Closing Theme (1:56.02)
 
Opening Credits – Five Pieces for an Orchestra by The National Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Leonard Slatkin from the album ‘The Exorcist – An Original Motion Picture Soundtrack’
 
Closing Theme – Tubular Bells by Book of Love from the album ‘Lullaby’
 
All songs available from Amazon.
 
All rights reserved.
 

Season 1: Episode 21 - 2 FOR ONE: The Omen (1976) / Frailty (2001)

The Omen (1976)
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Directed by Richard Donner and written by David Seltzer, this film would be the top box office winner of 1976 and a huge commercial success.  This would also win Jerry Goldsmith's only Oscar for his richly textured soundtrack.  
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The film would bring the world three sequels and an unfavourable remake in 2006.  It is now considered a horror classic and has crossed the genre divide as being known as a true film classic and is most top films to watch.
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It has also won endless awards and considered to be an influential film that brought people back to the church upon its release in 1976.  This classic story about a child switched at birth whom maybe the son of Satan getting ready to take back his rightful place in the world.
 
Frailty (2001)
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Bill Paxton making is directorial debut with a script by Brent Hanley, this psychological thriller won over the critics for its dark portrayal of a father raising his children in the light of god with horrifying results.  
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The film is now considered a cult gem with critics urging people to discover this film which works on many levels.  This is considered one of the best horror films to come out in the 2000's.  
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The film will never be equalled and it leaves its audience with food for thought long after the screen goes black.  The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton and Powers Boothe.
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It also brings to the screen two amazing young actors Matt O'Leary and Jeremy Sumpter who bring innocence and knowingness to their roles which will stick with you.
 
Opening Credits (.19); Introduction (3.46); What’s New (4.10); Forming the Plot (6.51); Commercial Break (8.12); Film Trailer (8.54); Prologue (11.12); Scene by Scene (11.51); Forming the Plot (57.59); Commercial Break (58.39); Film Trailer (59.11); Lights, Camera, Action (1:01); Critic’s Choice (1:02); Epilogue (1:31.35); End Credits (1:35.04); Closing Theme (1:35.47)
 
Opening Credits – Ave Santi – by Jerry Goldsmith from the album Varese Sarabande 25th Anniversary Celebration The Omen Original Soundtrack Recording
 
Closing Credits – Kids in America by Kim Wilde – from the album Kim Wilde (self-titled album)
 
All rights reserved.
 
All songs available through Amazon

Season 1: Episode 19 - TWO FOR ONE: House of the Devil (2009) / The Innkeepers (2011)

House of the Devil (2009)
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Directed, written and edited by Ti West , House of the Devil gives a nod to late 70’s/80’s horror films.  Using 16mm film, giving the film a retro look, the cinematography of the film also reflects the methods used by directors of the time. For instance, West often has the camera zoom in on characters (rather than dolly in as is now common in film), a technique that was often used in horror films of the 1970s and continued to be used into the 1980s.  Other stylistic signifiers include opening credits (which became less common in films in the decades after the 1980s) in yellow font accompanied by freeze-frames and the closing credits being played over a still image of the final scene.
 
The plot concerns a young college student who is hired as a babysitter at an isolated house and is soon caught up in bizarre and dangerous events as she fights for her life. The film combines elements of both the slasher film and haunted house subgenres while using the "satanic panic" of the 1980s as a central plot element.
 
The film stars Mary Woronov, Tom Noonan, Jocelin Donahue, Dee Wallace and Greta Gerwig.
The Innkeepers (2011)
 
Written, directed  and edited by Ti West, The Innkeepers centres around two ghost hunter enthusiasts who are working the final weekend of the Yankee Peddler Inn in Connecticut.  A slow burn ghost story that mixes 80’s sensibilities with a modern twist.   
 
The film stars Sara Paxton, Pat Healey, Lena Dunham and Kelly McGillis.  The film is shot in Torrington Connecticut and at the actual Yankee Peddler Inn. 
Opening Credits (.19); Welcome (1.41); Introduction (1.47); Getting To Know You (2.52); Forming the Plot (6.15); Commercial Break (7.54); House of the Devil Trailer (8.29); Scene by Scene (10.29); Forming the Plot II (53.02); Commercial Break (55.40); The Innkeepers Trailer (55.40); Lights, Camera, Action (57.49); Critics Choice (1:41.52); Epilogue (1:46.20); Closing Theme (1:47.03)
 
Opening Theme – I Can See You – from the album ‘House of the Devil’ by Jeff Grace.
 
Closing Theme – Til The Casket Drops – from the album ‘Til the Casket Drops’ by ZZ Ward
 
All rights reserved.
 
All music available through Amazon.

Season 1: Episode 18 BOOK TO SCREEN: Hell House (1971) / The Legend of Hell House (1973)

Written in 1971 by Richard Matheson, the book would spawn a film feature and a comic book miniseries with illustrations by Simon Fraser and adapted by Ian Edgington. 
 
The film script was written by Richard Matheson and directed by John Hough who was influential in the Hammer Horror films of the 1960/70’s.  The film was made by American International (famous for the Poe series starring Vincent Price). The film stars Clive Revill, Gloria Hunnicutt, Pamela Franklin and Roddy McDowall.  The film upon release was given a lukewarm review from critics but since that time, it is now considered a classic and has made it to top ten all time horror films.
 
Dialogue samplers from the film have been used by Anaal Nathrath, Skinny Puppy and Orbital.
 
Opening Credits (0.19.20); Welcome (3.27); What’s New (3.42); Forming the Plot (5.57); Prologue (7.20); Page to Page (8.20); Commercial (49.34); Film Trailer (50.06); Commercial (52.30); Lights, Camera, Action (53.01); Epilogue (1:51.37); End Credits (1:55.24); Closing Credits (1:56.16)
 
Opening Credits – Legend of Hell House by Demise from the album ‘Spook Show’
 
Closing Credits – Ghosts by ZZ Ward from the album ‘The Storm’.
 
All rights reserved.
 
All music is available through Amazon.

Season 1: Episode 17 - TWO FOR ONE: Near Dark (1987) / 30 Days of Night (2007)

Near Dark (1987)
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Directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Kathryn and Eric (The Hitcher) Red.  The story centres around a young man who gets mixed up with a nomadic vampire gang.  It is a cross breed of the Western, Biker and Horror genres.  Although it was a box office flop on release, it is now considered a modern horror classic. 
 
Near Dark would share three cast members from Aliens, Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen and Janette Goldstein.  A cinema seen in the background early in the film has Aliens on its marquee and James Cameron played the man who flips off Severn.  James Cameron and Kathryn Bigelow would eventually marry.
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Eric Red and Kathryn Bigelow would go on to work together on Blue Steel.   Kathryn Bigelow would go on to become Hollywood’s leading female director with award winning films such as The Hurt Locker, Blue Steel, Point Break and Zero Dark Thirty to name a few. 
 
30 Days of Night (2007)
 
Based on the comic book miniseries by Steve Niles, this 2007 film stars Melissa George, Josh Hartnett, Ben Foster and Danny Huston.   The film was directed by David Slade and written by Stuart Beatties and Steve Niles.
 
Sticking closely to the comic miniseries, Steve Niles would work on the screenplay.  Stuart Beatties would later come in and flesh out the characters for the film medium.  The film would focus on an Alaskan town where there is 30 Days of Night or a polar night.  The film would cost $30million to make but would earn back over $70million turning it into a cult classic. 
 
DVD and Blu-Ray sales would make it a smash success on the home video market.  The film would lead to a straight to video sequel release which garnered poor reviews but sticks more faithfully to the comic miniseries. 
 
Opening Theme (.19); Introduction (2.06); Getting To Know You (2.20); Forming the Plot (5.33); Commercial (11.14); Film Trailer (11.40); Prologue (14.00); Scene by Scene (14.37); Plot Thickens (43.10); Commercial (45.53); Film Trailer (46.23); Lights, Camera Action (48.37); Critic’s Choice (49.19); Epilogue (1:25.04); End Credits (1:28.10); Closing Credits (1:37.01)
 
Opening Credits – Let The Games Begin by Stu Phillips from the Original Soundtrack Recording ‘Beyond the Valley of the Dolls’
 
Closing Credits – Vampire Smile by Kyla LaGrange taken from the Album ‘Ashes’
 
All rights reserved.
 
All songs are available through Amazon.