Home
Castle of Blood (1964)/Hercules in the Haunted World (1961) in the PNW
- Details
- Written by: Mortado
- Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas
- Hits: 297
This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "Castle of Blood" (1964) in the Pacific Northwest. "Hercules in the Haunted World " (1961) was the co-feature.
Click on images for larger versions.
Castle of Blood (1964)
“Castle of Blood” is a 1964 Italian-French gothic horror film that invites viewers into a world where the boundary between the living and the dead blurs on one fateful night. The film follows the story of a skeptical journalist who, in a bid to prove the supernatural tales of Edgar Allan Poe wrong, accepts a wager to spend the night in a haunted castle on All Soul’s Eve. As the night progresses, the journalist encounters the castle’s former inhabitants, phantoms doomed to relive their last moments on the anniversary of their deaths. Among these spirits is a mysterious woman who seeks to help him survive the night. The film is noted for its atmospheric tension, chilling narrative, and the haunting performance of Barbara Steele, making it a cult classic in the horror genre.
Directors: Antonio Margheriti, Sergio Corbucci
Writers: Giovanni Grimaldi, Bruno Corbucci
Stars: Barbara Steele, Georges Rivière, Margrete Robsahm
Buy "Castle of Blood" (1964) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Hercules in the Haunted World (1961)
“Hercules in the Haunted World” is a 1961 Italian sword-and-sandal epic combining mythological adventure and supernatural intrigue. The film stars Reg Park as the legendary hero Hercules, who embarks on a perilous journey to the underworld to save his beloved. The plot thickens as Hercules discovers that his love’s affliction is tied to dark forces and a nefarious plot by the malevolent King Lico, played by Christopher Lee. Hercules must navigate a labyrinth of challenges, both physical and mystical, to retrieve a powerful artifact that holds the key to restoring peace and sanity. The film is celebrated for its imaginative set pieces, vibrant Technicolor cinematography, and dramatic score heightening the sense of adventure and danger. It remains a memorable entry in the genre, showcasing the enduring appeal of Hercules’ mythos.
Director: Mario Bava
Writers: Sandro Continenza, Mario Bava, Francesco Prosperi
Stars: Reg Park, Christopher Lee, Leonora Ruffo
Buy "Hercules in the Haunted World" (1961) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "Hercules in the Haunted World" (1961) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
September 15, 1964 ad (Portland)
September 15, 1964 review (Portland): Mario Brava???
September 16, 1964 ad (Portland)
September 18, 1964 ad (Portland)
September 21, 1964 ad (Portland)
September 29, 1964 ad (Seattle)
September 30, 1964 ad (Seattle)
Hercules in the Haunted World (1961) poster
Castle of Blood (1964) trailer
Buy "Castle of Blood" (1964) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Hercules in the Haunted World (1961) trailer
Buy "Hercules in the Haunted World" (1961) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "Hercules in the Haunted World" (1961) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
The Time Travelers (1964)/The Mysterians (1957) in the PNW
- Details
- Written by: Mortado
- Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas
- Hits: 376
This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "The Time Travelers" (1964) in the Pacific Northwest. "The Mysterians" (1957) was the co-feature. This film had the shortest run of ad support I have seen for an AIP title thus far.
Click on images for larger versions.
The Time Travelers (1964)
“The Time Travelers” is a 1964 science fiction film that explores the consequences of time travel in a unique and thought-provoking way. The story revolves around a group of scientists who, while conducting an experiment, accidentally create a portal to the future. This portal transports them to a desolate and unfamiliar Earth, where they encounter a society that has been forced underground due to a catastrophic event.
As the scientists navigate this new world, they come across advanced technologies and a plan to escape the dying planet. However, they face the challenge of returning to their own time, grappling with the complexities of time travel and its implications. The film delves into themes of survival, the human spirit, and the ethical dilemmas scientific discovery poses.
This classic film is a journey that takes the audience through the wonders and perils of time travel, leaving them to ponder the impact of our actions on the future. It’s a captivating tale that combines science fiction with a poignant narrative, making it a memorable experience for viewers.
Director: Ib Melchior
Writers: Ib Melchior, David L. Hewitt
Stars: Preston Foster, Philip Carey, Merry Anders
Buy "The Time Travelers" (1964) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "The Time Travelers" (1964) DVD (NON-USA) on Amazon (SPONSORED)
The Mysterians (1957)
“The Mysterians” is a 1957 Japanese science fiction film that weaves a tale of intrigue and interstellar conflict. The story unfolds as Earth is visited by the Mysterians, extraterrestrial beings from a devastated planet, who seek refuge on our world. They come with seemingly peaceful intentions, requesting a small tract of land to inhabit. However, their true agenda is shrouded in mystery, especially when they express a controversial demand to intermarry with human women.
Earth’s defense forces must unite as tensions escalate to confront the alien threat. The film captures the suspense and drama of humanity’s struggle to understand and potentially combat these enigmatic visitors. With its blend of action, science fiction, and thriller elements, “The Mysterians” presents a cinematic journey that reflects the era’s anxieties and hopes about the future and the unknown reaches of space.
This classic film is known for its pioneering special effects and remains a significant piece in the history of the genre, offering a compelling narrative that continues to resonate with audiences today.
Director: Ishirô Honda
Writers: Takeshi Kimura, Jôjirô Okami, Shigeru Kayama
Stars: Kenji Sahara, Yumi Shirakawa, Momoko Kôchi
Buy "The Mysterians" (1957) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
September 11, 1964 ad (Portland)
September 12, 1964 ad (Portland)
November 10, 1964 ad (Seattle)
BONUS still of the legendary Forrest J. Ackerman doing his cameo.
The Time Travelers (1964) poster
The Time Travelers (1964) trailer
Buy "The Time Travelers" (1964) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "The Time Travelers" (1964) DVD (NON-USA) on Amazon (SPONSORED)
The Mysterians (1957) trailer
Buy "The Mysterians" (1957) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Godzilla vs the Thing (1964)/Voyage to the End of the Universe (1963) in the PNW
- Details
- Written by: Mortado
- Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas
- Hits: 677
This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "Godzilla vs the Thing" (1964) in the Pacific Northwest. "Voyage to the End of the Universe" (1963) was the co-feature.
Click on images for larger versions.
Godzilla vs the Thing (1964)
“Godzilla vs. The Thing,” also known in Japan as “Mothra vs. Godzilla,” is a classic 1964 kaiju film that pits two of cinema’s most iconic monsters against each other. Directed by Ishirō Honda, the film is a thrilling entry in the Godzilla franchise and showcases the special effects wizardry of Eiji Tsuburaya.
The film opens with the discovery of a gigantic egg on the shores of Japan, following a destructive typhoon. The egg becomes the center of attention, drawing the curiosity of the public and the greed of an unscrupulous businessman who sees it as a lucrative tourist attraction. However, the egg is more than it seems—it belongs to Mothra, the giant moth deity, and is guarded by tiny twin girls from Infant Island who implore for its return.
As the human drama unfolds, Godzilla emerges from the mud, awakened by the typhoon’s aftermath, and begins a rampage through Japan. The situation becomes dire, and the people of Japan find themselves caught between Godzilla's destructive force and Mothra's protective might. In a series of spectacular battles, the two titans clash, with Mothra fighting valiantly to protect her offspring and the people of Japan from Godzilla’s atomic wrath.
“Godzilla vs. The Thing” is renowned for its dramatic showdowns and the moral questions it raises about human exploitation of natural wonders. The film’s portrayal of Godzilla as a force of nature and Mothra as a symbol of protection resonates with audiences, making it a memorable and influential piece of monster movie history
Director: Ishirô Honda
Writer: Shin'ichi Sekizawa
Stars: Akira Takarada, Yuriko Hoshi, Hiroshi Koizumi
Buy "Godzilla vs the Thing" (1964) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Voyage to the End of the Universe (1963)
“Voyage to the End of the Universe,” originally titled “Ikarie XB-1,” is a visionary 1963 Czechoslovak science fiction film directed by Jindřich Polák. The film is a cinematic adaptation loosely based on Stanisław Lem’s novel “The Magellanic Cloud.”
Set in the year 2163, the narrative follows the crew of the starship Ikarie XB-1 as they embark on an ambitious journey to the “White Planet” orbiting the star Alpha Centauri. The mission is a leap into the unknown, with the crew facing the vastness of space for a duration that, due to the effects of relativity, will see them age only 28 months while 15 years pass on Earth.
The film delves into interstellar travel's psychological and physical challenges, exploring the dynamics among the 40-strong multinational crew. As they adjust to life in space, they encounter a series of mysterious and potentially dangerous situations, including a derelict 20th-century spaceship and a risky “dark star.” The crew’s resilience is tested as they navigate through these hazards, all while dealing with the complexities of isolation and the strain it puts on their mental well-being.
“Voyage to the End of the Universe” is noted for its ahead-of-its-time production design and thought-provoking themes, which later influenced other landmark films in the genre. It stands as a testament to the era’s imaginative storytelling and the enduring allure of space exploration.
Director: Jindrich Polák
Writers: Pavel Jurácek, Stanislaw Lem, Jindrich Polák
Stars: Zdenek Stepánek, Frantisek Smolík, Dana Medrická
Buy "Voyage to the End of the Universe" (1963) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "Voyage to the End of the Universe" (1963) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
September 2, 1964 ad (Seattle)
September 1, 1964 ad (Seattle)
September 3, 1964 ad (Seattle)
September 4, 1964 ad (Seattle)
September 21, 1964 photo (Portland)
September 22, 1964 article (Portland)
September 22, 1964 ad (Portland)
September 23, 1964 ad (Portland)
September 23, 1964 photo (Portland)
September 24, 1964 ad (Portland)
September 25, 1964 ad (Portland)
September 29, 1964 ad (Portland)
Godzilla vs the Thing (1964) poster
Voyage to the End of the Universe (1963) poster
Godzilla vs the Thing (1964) trailer
Buy "Godzilla vs the Thing" (1964) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Voyage to the End of the Universe (1963) trailer
Buy "Voyage to the End of the Universe" (1963) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "Voyage to the End of the Universe" (1963) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
The Masque of the Red Death (1964) in the PNW
- Details
- Written by: Mortado
- Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas
- Hits: 557
This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "The Masque of the Red Death" (1964) in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle got Bava's "The Evil Eye" (1963) for a second feature while Portland got "The Brain That Wouldn't Die" from 1962.
Click on images for larger versions.
The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
“The Masque of the Red Death,” a 1964 horror film directed by Roger Corman, is a vivid adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic story. The film stars Vincent Price as Prince Prospero, a cruel and debauched nobleman who retreats to his opulent castle to escape the deadly plague known as the Red Death. Inside, he hosts decadent feasts and perverse entertainments for his fellow aristocrats, all while the peasantry outside suffers from the merciless disease.
As the plague ravages the land, Prospero’s castle becomes a sanctuary for the elite, indulging in excesses and mocking the suffering of the less fortunate. The prince’s consort, Juliana, seeks deeper communion with the dark forces Prospero worships, while the innocent Francesca, brought from the village, becomes a pawn in Prospero’s cruel games.
The film culminates in a grand masquerade ball, a twisted celebration of life in the face of death. However, the revelry turns to horror as an uninvited guest arrives, cloaked in a costume that personifies the Red Death itself. This spectral figure brings a chilling revelation that not even Prospero’s wealth and power can protect him from the inevitable grasp of mortality.
Corman’s “The Masque of the Red Death” is a haunting tale of hubris and doom, a reflection on the futility of trying to escape the universal fate that death holds for all.
Director: Roger Corman
Writers: Charles Beaumont, R. Wright Campbell
Stars: Vincent Price, Hazel Court, Jane Asher
Buy "The Masque of the Red Death" (1964) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "The Masque of the Red Death" (1964) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
The Evil Eye (1963)
“The Evil Eye,” also known as “La ragazza che sapeva troppo” (The Girl Who Knew Too Much), is a 1963 Italian film directed by Mario Bava. It is often considered the first “giallo” film, combining elements of horror, mystery, and romance.
The story follows Nora Davis, an American tourist in Rome who enjoys mystery novels. Her vacation turns dark when she witnesses a murder, plunging her into a real-life mystery. As the killings continue, Nora and her suitor find themselves entangled in the dangerous pursuit of a serial killer known as the Alphabet Murderer.
With its blend of suspense, stylish cinematography, and a plot that pays homage to Alfred Hitchcock, “The Evil Eye” is a seminal work that influenced the thriller genre.
DirectorL Mario Bava
Writers: Ennio De Concini, Sergio Corbucci, Eliana de Sabata
Stars: John Saxon, Letícia Román, Valentina Cortese
Buy "The Evil Eye" (1964) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "The Evil Eye" (1964) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962)
“The Brain That Wouldn’t Die” is a 1962 American science fiction horror film delving into scientific ambition's dark side. Directed by Joseph Green, the film tells the story of Dr. Bill Cortner, a surgeon with radical ideas about human transplantation. After his fiancée, Jan Compton, is tragically decapitated in a car accident, Dr. Cortner manages to keep her head alive in a laboratory setting.
Obsessed with finding a new body for Jan, Dr. Cortner scours various places, including a burlesque nightclub and a beauty contest, in search of a suitable “donor.” Meanwhile, Jan, now a disembodied head, experiences agony in her new existence and develops telepathic abilities, which she uses to communicate with a monstrous being locked away in the lab—a failed experiment of Dr. Cortner’s.
The film reaches its climax when Jan’s pleas to be allowed to die are ignored, and she calls upon the creature to help her. In a gruesome turn of events, the creature breaks free, leading to a violent confrontation that underscores the perils of playing God. “The Brain That Wouldn’t Die” is a cautionary tale of science without ethics, exploring themes of identity, consciousness, and the limits of human power.
Director: Joseph Green
Writers: Doris Brent, Joseph Green, Rex Carlton
Stars: Jason Evers, Virginia Leith, Anthony La Penna
Buy "The Brain That Wouldn't Die" (1964) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
The Masque of the Red Death (1964) poster
The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962) poster
The Masque of the Red Death (1964) trailer
Buy "The Masque of the Red Death" (1964) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "The Masque of the Red Death" (1964) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
The Evil Eye (1963) trailer
Buy "The Evil Eye" (1964) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Buy "The Evil Eye" (1964) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1962) trailer
Buy "The Brain That Wouldn't Die" (1964) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)
Page 1 of 3