Halloween

There are lots of lists that I can make in regards to this amazing holiday: movies, horror flicks, horror video games, party ideas - you get the idea. Last week I covered the top 5 musicals/plays on Broadway.

While Halloween can be either fun and scary, or gory and gruesome; it all depends on which direction you take.

Here's a look a some of the best, "Classical", Halloween monsters that have graced the silver screen. Here they are - in no particular order (but I'll put my favorite last). Please Note - all pictures are taken from the internet - if I could have taken quite a few of these myself, I would have!

1. Frankenstein

1931 - this was the age when movies were coming out more frequently. The majority were in black and white, soundless until the early thirties. When the movie premiered, the actor who portrayed the monster was billed as ?????? This was to keep in the spirit of it being an actual monster. Boris Karloff cemented his acting in horror movies. Which leads us to -

2. The Mummy

Another classic flick from the thirties, this one came out in 1932. Karloff returned to don the wraps of Imhotep, a priest brought back to life centuries. He spends the entire time trying to find his reincarnited lover. This sparked a wonderfully fun three film series by Stephen Sommers back in the early 2000's. Sadly, it's getting rebooted again soon (don't see it!).

3. The Wolfman

1941 - This movie has quite a few infamous actors in it to bring the full-moon riser to light (not sure if that was a bad pun or not...) Lon Chaney Junior brings this cast of high bill-ers together as a man fated to becoming a bity wolfer. With an appearance from Bela Lugosi and Claude Raines, it's a flick sure to get you howling.

4. Dracula

1931 - Bela Lugosi didn't speak a word of English going into this film. Giving a stunning performance as the main vampire, this takes you from the haunted hills of darkest Transylvania to the elegant ballrooms and foyers of London. You will never hear, "Swan Lake" the same every again. Or see a full moon on a cloudy night the same either . . .


And Rounding the list of Top Five,

5. The Phantom of the Opera

1925 - A silent film so frightening, smelling salts were in hand for the infamous un-masking scene. The Man of a Thousand Faces would give a stellar performance that has lasted and endured through the ages. While other adaptations try to give it their all, this one is what gave every other adaptation a basis. Lon Chaney Senior, Mary Philbin, and Norman Kerry. Watch this in the dark. It changes everything.


What is your favorite old timey monster?

How about the new age monster?

Leave a comment below.

Halloween on the Stage

I am a huge lover of the arts.

If I could live inside of a theatre, I would pack up and move in less than an hour. There would be so much to do - to see.

With the fall season, and the wonderful weather we're having, it seems only appropriate that I make a list of plays and musicals that will give you a few chills.


1. The Rocky Horror Show

     First things first, "The Rocky Horror Show" is the musical you will see live on stage. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is the movie. This is a classic in and of itself because of the campy nature. With a guest appearance from Meatloaf, and the Time Warp (Again!) it's a must see for the beginning of the Halloween season.

2. Little Shop of Horrors

     If a local theatre company is doing this, I suggest going over to take a look. It's another show that's sure to give you chills and double look at the plants in your house. With a movie that made two different endings (the stage version has a - well - best not to see it), it's sure to find a way into your heart. Plus, Rick Moranis.

3. The Addams Family

     Come join the family for a reunion to die for. Everything's dark, creepy, but one thing's off - how can the world's favorite creepy family cope when their daughter falls in love? Take a seat, sit back, and let the Family show you what True Love is.

4. Dracula

     It wouldn't be Halloween without our favorite vampire. Frank Wildhorn lends a beautiful mixture of music in this stage adaptation of Bram Stoker's infamous novel. While it follows rather closely to the source material, it takes on an etheral appearance. While you can find the whole show on youtube (which I highly recommend, in either English, or German), I suggest taking a listen to this soundtrack.

4. Into the Woods

     This takes a whole new twist on the Grimm fairy tales. Journey through the woods with Cinderella, Jack, the Baker and his wife, Red Riding Hood, and the Witch. With all the wishes being made, it make for a tall order to fill. While the first act is light and cheerful, beware act two. Wishes have a price to be paid. Not everything ends well and happily ever after for some of our favorite fairy tale heroes and heroines.

5. The Phantom of the Opera

     Finishing off my list, I'll leave you with the longest-running, well-known musical. The story of a disfigured musical genius who haunts the infamous opera house, writing operas for a young sorprano. The story takes us through the backstage working of the opera house, bringing together a mystery as to who the man in the mask is. With as many musical adaptations as there are movie versions, one of them is bound to give you the thrills and chills of a great horror movie. While I love the musical on Broadway, I would suggest renting the 1926 silent film, turning off all the lights, and let yourself become embroiled in Lon Chaney Sr.'s infamous unmasking scene.

What are some of your favorite horror plays? Musicals? Movies?

Writing - Halloween

A few short weeks from now, as dusk is falling, our neighborhoods and apartment complexes are going to become swarmed with mini Glinda's, Freddy's, Jason's, Captain America's, Iron-men, Disney princesses, and an assortment of other creatures.

With all the candy that will be passed around, dropped into pillowcases, pumpkin bags, backpacks, etc. it's hard for an honest writer to think of anything else.

Fear not!

Halloween is a prime holiday for writing prompts, short horror stories, and an assortment of ideas. Here are a few to get those creative juices flowing:


1. He heard the dripping coming from the basement . . .

2. "What's the worst that can happen - it's been abandoned for years!"

3. The scratching came closer. The girl pulled the blankets over her head, but the noise came closer...

4. The impact was swift, loud, and left a hole the size of Manhattan -

5. Large, spindly legs stood outside my window, there was hair, almost like a -



What are some of your favorite Halloween memories? Best costume?

Leave a comment below.

(I am not paid for this blog, or any name dropping I do. I do not own the picture either.)

Halloween - Party Ideas

With Halloween just a few short weeks away, it's easy to become discombobulated with making plans, making the food, planning out your costume and such forth.

To help ease the process - here are a few Party Theme suggestions:


1. Superhero

This one might remind you of a child's birthday party. But hear me out - each person comes as a different hero or heroine. You can even make it a specific as in, "Your favorite X-Men", your favorite, "Avenger", your favorite, "Justice Leage"-er.

You get the idea.

2. Horror

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There are plenty of outcomes with having a horror-themed party. Set it in your favorite movie, have everyone dress as a character. Props to those who come in fake/authentic looking blood.

3. Other Holiday

What's more fun than having a themed Halloween party based on another holiday? Okay, maybe not "fun" per se, but it's a great way to confuse the neighbors.

4. Movies

Choose a genre, or movie and deck the house in proper attire. Make up fun snacks that go along with the theme, mix a few drinks that go along with it.


While you can take all of these and either mingle or mix, it's the recipe for a simple, yet well-thought out party.

What are some of your more memorable Halloween parties you've either attended, or hosted?

Leave a comment below.

I am not paid for this blog, and I am not the owner of the pictures.