theclassicmoviemuse It’s that time of year when the spooks come out and the black cats shriek…
Normally I’d consider myself a fraidy cat when it comes to scary movies, but lately I have been getting into the classic horror genre and enjoying every minute of this thrilling ride!
There’s something irresistible about the macabre atmosphere of the Corman/Price cycle, the charming cheesiness (I’m looking at you, Blob) of the 50’s flicks, and the eerie poetic classics that started it all.
Today, I’m pleased to bring you a frightfully fantastic collection of posts from bloggers sharing their love, appreciation, and insights into the genre.
I hope you enjoy their work as much as I do. In no particular order, let’s venture into the dark…
1. A Vintage Nerd
“They’re coming!”
Looking for vintage costume inspiration this Halloween?
Daffny from A Vintage Nerd takes a cue from Tippi Hedren’s iconic ensemble in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds (1963), creating a costume that is Pinterest-worthy, simple to execute, and just the right amount of scary.
Take a look: A Vintage Nerd Recreates: The Birds (1963): Melanie Daniels
2. Vienna’s Classic Hollywood
Vienna from Vienna’s Classic Hollywood pays tribute to one of the movies’ most sympathetic monsters and the gentle man who brought him to life in this heartfelt remembrance.
Take a look: BORIS KARLOFF and the MONSTER
3. Silent-ology
Lea from Silent-ology celebrates the 100th birthday of Nosferatu, the creepy original vampire classic. I will be viewing this film for the first time this year and enjoying Lea’s comprehensive guide for exploring further if I’m not too spooked to peer further into the shadows…
Take a look: A Century Of “Nosferatu” (1922)
4. The Wonderful World of Cinema
Lists – ya gotta love ’em, and Virginie from The Wonderful World of Cinema is a pro at them. Here she shares well known and not so well known films to round out your Halloween viewing.
Take a look: Top of the World: Even More Film Recommendations for Halloween
5. Once Upon a Screen
One can never have too much of Frank…or can you?
In this ultimate tribute to the monster, Aurora from Once Upon A Screen uncovers his onscreen history and the fascinating power he continues to hold over us.
Take a look: IT’S ALIVE! A Monster Tribute
6. Caftan Woman
It’s simply not Halloween without the Headless Horseman…
Our dearly departed Paddy from Caftan Woman writes about Disney’s time-honored favorite that still delivers chills along with a healthy dose of fun a la Bing Crosby.
Take a look: A FAVOURITE FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949)
7. Nitrateglow
Nitrateglow delivers the full film experience with her audio commentary on the criminally underrated Wait Until Dark starring Audrey Hepburn and Alan Arkin.
Take a look: My audio commentary for Wait Until Dark (1967)
8. 4 Star Films
4 Star Films delves into the depths with their enlightening essay on a misunderstood monster.
Take a look: Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
9. Out of the Past
Horror writer Ally Russell guest posts on Raquel Stecher’s blog, Out of the Past, to recommend a compact, treat-filled viewing guide that “packs a monstrous punch” for the spooky season: TCM’s Fright Favorites by David J. Skal.
Take a look: Fright Favorites: Review by Ally Russell
10. Silver Screen Classics
Paul from Silver Screen Classics serves up a smorgasbord of ghoulish delights as writers come together and share their spine-tingling favorites.
Take a look: The Classic Horror Films We Love – A Collection Of Favourites
Happy Halloweekend to all!
What classic film has you under its spell this year?
Thank you so much for adding my post to your article! I really appreciate it. There’s some great reading to indulge in over the weekend and no doubt some tips and reminders for some great Halloween viewing.
You’re most welcome, Paul! I regret not being able to participate in your lovely event this year, but I’m pleased as punch to include it in this roundup. Thank you for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂
Thanks for the share! It’s an impressive assortment of films and resources.
Thank you for writing it! It’s a great article and I’m happy to share it.
Side note: When watching ‘Creature’ last week, it also reminded me of ‘Jaws’. It was neat to see you affirm that viewpoint. It must be true what they say, there’s nothing new under the sun.
Thanks so much for linking my article, Ari! I’m unfortunately not sure I’ll have time to do another Halloween list this year so it’s great if the old ones can be promoted again! 🙂
You’re so welcome, Virginie! I always enjoy your lists and I’m happy to include one in this roundup. Whenever you have time for the next one, we’ll be ready 🙂
Thank you for linking my commentary track! Also this is a great line-up– I love spooky movies, so these articles are a veritable trick or treat bag!
You’re very welcome, Nitrateglow! You did a fantastic job with your commentary, and it is my pleasure to share it. So glad you enjoyed the post 🙂 Hope you had a Happy and spooky Halloween!
What a lovely surprise to see my post of Boris Karloff included. Many thanks.
Thank you for your post! It reminded me to seek out more of Karloff’s work. I found a new favorite in The Body Snatcher – excellent film with an unforgettable performance from Karloff.
Hiya lovely 👋😁 I hope you are well 💗!
I *finally* got around to watching our friend, Mr. Orlok in action 😉🍿
I posted a quick little summary of my thoughts on a new Instagram account I have created (@totalleemovies) however I wasn’t sure if you had an account over there or not?
I hope it’s okay to share it with you here 💝
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✨🎬 ‘Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens’ (1922)
✨🎄 ‘Tis the season to curl up and watch a festive, feel-good flick, right?
You would be forgiven for thinking so 😅
However, with 2022 quickly drawing to a close, I decided to bite the bullet, pull up my big girl pants (I am a longtime, card carrying member of the ‘scaredy cats club’) and FINALLY watch possibly the most famous, unauthorised knock-off from the silent era, ‘Nosferatu’🩸for the first time.
F. W. Murnau’s iconic adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” celebrates its 100th birthday this year and with just a few weeks to spare, I donned my imaginary party hat and spent some time marking the occasion in the company of creepy Count Orlok and co.
Initially, to be honest, I wasn’t sure what was funnier/scarier…
A) Ellen’s fainting spells
B) Hutter’s unsettling over-the-top smiling, or…
C) the size of Knock, the real estate agent’s eyebrows..
But ultimately, the combined power of Greta Schröder’s (Ellen) hauntingly expressive eyes and the genius of Max Schreck, got under my skin and did indeed creep me out.
Orlock’s looming presence and lingering stare froze my gaze and my guts each and every time he appeared. The physical framing of his character was exquisite. Whether he was standing under an archway, gazing out of a window or lying in his coffin, you always got the feeling that his tight, rigid, compressed, sinister posture could fit, move, appear and squeeze into any or all spaces. Which of course we know to be true. This and his other rat-like physicalities and qualities were brought to the fore marvellously on board the ship to Wisborg. The direness felt by the captain and his first mate as the true horror of the situation on board starts to dawn on them. Chillingly brilliant 🖤
As was the addition of all those furry little stowaways and the parallels that their presence highlighted in relation to the slightly larger ‘stowaway’ on board.
Happy 100th Nosferatu 🥳! Here’s to another 100 years of freaking people out 😉🩸
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I cannot wait to hear how you got on with this one 🥰🍿!
Much love xox
Hi, Lee! <3 Fabulous to see you on the gram! I have not yet made an account, but I plan to someday. (So many things, so little time!) I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on Nosferatu...So eloquently spoken, and I found myself chuckling and nodding in agreement with your observations (ie: Ellen) and I love what you said about the framing of Orlok's character. Spot on, girl! *applause*
What stood out to me the most in viewing Nosferatu was the atmosphere and locations. It brought the story to life for me in a way that Universal's Dracula is unable to do. Now, Dracula is my preferred adaptation of the tale, I love Lugosi in the role, he is - absolute perfection - but it's hard to beat the fog rolling through the looming mountains, the authentic European villages, and Orava castle in Slovakia as Orlok's towering castle of doom to set the mood and put you right in the center of the story.
I'm glad we added this film to our list and gave it a shot! Can't wait for the next one <3 Hope you are enjoying the holiday season, lovely lady! xo