Classic Cinema Spotlight: The Monster Club (1981)

April 14, 2024

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Classic Cinema

Despite being a critical and commercial failure, The Monster Club (1981) is no ordinary B horror movie. It stars Old Hollywood legends Vincent Price as the Vampire Erasmus, John Carradine as the horror author, R. Chetwyn-Hayes, and Donald Pleasance as the Vampire Hunter Pickering. Each of these A-list stars are known for a massive and diverse body of works as actors but they are each famous for being horror movie icons.

The film begins with Vincent Price who plays the Vampire Erasmus walks around looking for a little midnight snack. Before you know it he is nibbling on John Carradine. Although Price is famous for the many horror movies he has been, this is the only film where he actually plays a vampire. After their awkward first meeting they politely introduce themselves to one another. Erasmus declares that Chetwyn-Hayes is his favorite horror author and then invites him to come along to a monster club that he frequents.

The monster club is filled with all sorts of creatures and ghouls, many who you can tell are wearing silly monster masks. But its the vibe of the club that hooks you in. Immediately you hear a band called The Viewers sing the theme of the film called, Monsters Rule O.K. Then Erasmus begins to explain the hierarchy of monsters to Chetwyn-Hayes from coolest poster I have even seen.

Erasmus explains to his new human friend, "We have the primate monsters: vampires, werewolves and ghouls. Now, a vampire and a werewolf would produce a werevamp, but a werewolf and a ghoul would produce a weregoo, and a vampire and a ghoul would produce a vamgoo. A weregoo and a werevamp would produce a shaddy. Now, a weregoo and a vamgoo would produce a maddy, but a werevamp and a vamgoo would produce a raddy. Now, if a shaddy were to mate with a raddy or a maddy the result would be a mock. Frankly, that's just a polite name for a mongrel."

There are four stories told while at the monster club as well as musical sequences in-between each story. The main story is about Erasmus and his human friend, Mr. Chetwyn-Hayes, which bookends the other three story. The first story Erasmus shares is about a Shadmock and warns Chetwynd-Hayes that "oh, you should see the results of a Shadmock's whistling. The story begins when a young lady named Angela and her greedy boyfriend begin looking to find ways of stealing and making an easy buck. Angela ends up landing a job with a reclusive man named Raven, who happens to be a Shadmock. Although Angela finds him both terrifying and repulsive, she agrees to work for him in order to get closer to his money. The end is shocking and tragic when the Shamock releases his infamous whistle.

Just as the story ends a new rock segment begins with a song by B.A. Robertson called, "Sucker For Your Love." Erasmus proudly declares that "they are playing his song" because it is all about being a vampire. As soon as the whole semi-music video experience has ended we get introduced to another story. This one is wholesome story about a film producer retelling about his life with his mother (Britt Ekland) and father.  He refers to his fathers "profession" as a night worker until it is revealed that he is actually a vampire. Its a little cheesy but Donald Pleasance makes a unforgettable appearance as Pickering, the vampire hunter. The tales ends with the unconventional family finding joy together as a family while ironically poor Pickering finds himself on the other side of a stake. 

Another song is sung this time by Stevie Vann who belts out, "The Stripper" which is paired with the most unique stripe tease in film history. After this wild sequence is played out, Erasmus shares his final story which is all about ghouls. It stars Stuart Whitman as Sam, a movie director who is scouting for locations for his latest film.  He encounters a young girl by the name of Luna, who is a humegoo (half human/half ghoul), who is keen on escaping the village. Things begin to get strange and while hiding out in a church Sam discovers that the inhabitants actually live off the bodies of the dead. Both Sam and Luna try their best to escape but horrors await them no matter how hard they try.

The humegoo story is probably the saddest and most terrifying of them all. But Erasmus isn't done yet as he declares to Chetwynd-Hayes  that he wants to put him up for membership. Eramus begins to cheerfully list to the other club members all the imaginative ways that humans have of being horrible to each other. Eramus then asks, "Can we truly call this a Monster Club if we do not boast amongst our membership a single member of the human race?" He then declares that humans are the most despicable monsters of all. And to the surprise of the viewer as well as to Chetwynd-Hayes himself, is made an honorary monster and member of the club. To celebrate, Erasmus and  Chetwynd-Hayes dance to The Pretty Things sing "The Monster Club". It's a perfect ending to a quirky monster movie that is utterly unforgettable. 

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Be Inspired: Sunshine Award Questionnaire

April 10, 2024

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Be Inspired

The nicest thing happened a few months ago. Gill from Realweegiemidget’s Reviews blog nominated me for a Sunshine Blogger Award. It's been ages since I have been gifted one of these. They were really popular when I first started blogging back in 2011. It was really cool to be nominated and thought of by such a wonderful blogger like Gill from Realweegiemidget’s Reviews.

Now technically I will not be receiving the award because I cannot nominate 11 bloggers. Frankly the world of blogging especially for us vintage bloggers has changed dramatically over the years. Many have left and stopped blogging. Honestly I just don't know 11 consistent bloggers well enough to nominate them. So although I won't fully receive this award, I still wanted to answer the questions that Gill asked because they were just too much fun to pass up. 

I also wanted a chance to share a little more about me. Hope you enjoy reading and check out Realweegiemidget’s Reviews blog when you can. 

Who would be your dream interview subject and why? 

My dream interview would have been a gaggle of Old Hollywood stars including Joan Crawford, Jimmy Stewart, Sidney Poitier, Debbie Reynolds, Bette Davis, and Ricardo Montalbán, 

What’s your favorite blogathon that you have either run or taken part in?

All the ones I have participated in the past year.

You have the choice of a film festival to attend in 2024 in an all-expenses paid trip, which do you choose…?

I only know of one. The TCM Classic Film Festival. It began in April 2010 but by then I was pregnant with my third child and my two eldest where toddlers themselves. I knew I wouldn't be able to go and I remember feeling crushed. I really wanted to meet Robert Osborne as I admire him greatly. So going to this festival would be a long awaited dream come true for me.

What film-inspired present would you buy for me if you had 50 dollars (or your own currency) to spend…?

I would get you a few dvds and books to enjoy because they are the gifts that keep on giving.

Imagine that you are moving house, which actor or actress would you choose as your next door neighbor?

I think I would want neighbors who would be friendly and fun. I think it would be Debbie Reynolds and Robert Osborne. Debbie would never be boring and Robert (who did technically acted a little in the 1960's) would be great to do a book club with or watch movies with all the time.

What’s your favorite film franchise?

Of modern films I will say the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises. 

Which year is your favorite in film, and support your answer with your top 3 movies from this time…

I cannot choose a year in classic films because it's just too much too sift through. I can give one favorite year of films from the 1980's because its the main decade of my childhood. These films are super nostalgic for me. The year is 1985 and some of the top favorites of that year were; The Last Dragon, The Goonies, Back to the Future, Explorers, Fright Night, Silver Bullet, Young Sherlock Holmes, Legend, Ladyhawke, and Enemy Mine. It was a great year for movies. 

Recommend a film to me that you think would easily fit in my blog.

La Prima Notte Di Quiete (1972) starring the great Alain Delon. I would also highly recommend I Knew Her Well (1965). It's beautiful and deeply haunting.

Without saying who the murderer is, which Agatha Christie inspired movie would you change the murderer in…

I would have to choose The Mirror Crack'd (1980)

What's your favorite films related biopic? 

I cannot share one so I will share a slew that I have enjoyed through the years. Some of these are; Brian's Song (1971), The Elephant Man (1980), Amadeus (1984), Empire of the Sun (1987), Chaplin (1992), Girl, Interrupted (1999), Boys Don't Cry (1999), Almost Famous (2000), Remember the Titans (2000), Frida (2002), The Pianist (2002), Hotel Rwanda (2004), Philomena (2013) Hacksaw Ridge (2016), Hidden Figures (2016), Elvis (2022).

Who was the first celebrity who responded to you on social media and who was the last…?

None. The celebs I appreciate are all much older and don't know how to use use social media very well. Oh, Ethan Peck (Gregory Peck's grandson) did like a comment I left for him on his IG page-does that count?

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Classic Cinema Spotlight: Love and Pain and the Whole Damn Thing (1973)

March 29, 2024

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Classic Cinema

Love and Pain and the Whole Damn Thing (1973) was discovered on one of my many trips down the rabbit hole when researching movies. I saw that it starred Maggie Smith and I knew I would be going on a ride of a lifetime. And as always, she doesn't disappoint.

The film begins with a introduction to Walter Elbertson (Timothy Bottoms) who is painfully shy young man who doesn't really know what he is going to do with his life. His parents send him on a holiday trip to Spain in the hopes that this will spark some passion in his life. Walter is less than enthusiastic to bike ride all over Spain and his asthma doesn't help matters much. In comes Ms. Lila Fisher (Maggie Smith) who is exploring Spain via a tour bus. She comes across as awkward, nervous, and wary of everything and everyone around her. 

Things begin to change for them both when their tours unexpectedly collide. Walter quickly finds himself at a crossroad and decides to ditch his bike and join the tour bus that Lila happens to also be on. He sits himself awkwardly next to Lila while she looks at him uncomfortably. You couldn't find two more different people than Walter and Lila. Walter is young with a future ahead and a willingness to take unplanned risks like jumping on that tour bus. Lila on the other hand, appears to be a bit older than Walter and more cautious about everything she does.

Little by little Walter and Lila find themselves sort of stuck with each other while exploring various parts of Spain. Neither has designs for the other. Not even a friendship was in the cards for either of them, or so they assumed. After spending some time together they find themselves enjoying each other's company. Despite the age difference and the differences of where they were at in their own lives, Walter and Lila manage to find some little bits of joy in the times they spent together. Lila, stuck in her ways and seemingly afraid of change slowly finds herself willing to take a risk on Walter.

They become lovers and decide to leave the tour bus behind them. Lila and Walter make a commitment to one another but it isn't solidified until they come across a dashing Spanish duke who helps Walter realize that he truly wants to be with Lila. Differences aside he finally realizes that he does want something in life and that something is Lila. Things come to a head when Lila confesses to Walter that she is ill and doesn't have much time to live. 

Walter, who started out directionless and passionless, finds that the best thing for both of them would be to spend whatever time they have left-together. Despite both seeming mismatched in every possible way, Walter and Lila end up find peace and joy in their unexpected union. 

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West Side Story (1961): An Interview with David Bean ("Tiger" the Jets)

March 22, 2024

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Old Hollywood Interviews

I was lucky to meet the lovely Mr. David Bean back in October 2022 at the Chiller Theater Expo in New Jersey. I purchased his book at this event and after reading  When You’re A Jet: A Dancer’s Extraordinary, Ordinary Life , I reviewed it on my blog. I was so inspired by his life stories that I decided to try reach out to Mr. Bean in the hopes of conducting an interview. To my surprise I received an email from Mr. Bean himself asking me to give him a call. We started having conversations in December 2023 which then brought me to this magical interview. Mr. Bean was a Jet named "Tiger" from the original West Side Story (1961) cast.  Chatting with Mr. Bean and getting to know his passions for film, dance, family, and life has been a privilege. 

What is one of your fondest memories of working on the film West side story 1961?

The very first day I drove through the gray at Samuel Goldwyn Studios in Hollywood was a moment I’ll never forget. As instructed, I arrived with rehearsal clothes and was directed to an old gym on the lot. It was “old home week “as I knew, and had worked with nearly one third of the cast-Tony Mordente (Action), George Chakiris (Bernardo), Eddie Verso (Juan), Bobby Banas (Joyboy). Bobby was an Indian in the 1954 production of Peter Pan on Broadway, my first professional job, at age 14. It was 10 o’clock in the morning, we were all required to take ballet class from Jerome Robbins. A custom we were to repeat every day for duration of filming (Nearly a year). Taking class before each rehearsal was brilliant as it saved getting injured. Being prepared to work “full out “when working for Mr. Robbins was essential.

We started the choreography with the prologue, the very beginning of the film. We were given what seemed 10 different versions of every eight phases of music. It was a challenge for sure. In the final cut of the film, most of the choreography reverted to the original stages version, I am 84 years old now, and I can still re-create every dance step from the film. The prologue and cool are seared in my memory. Of course, I’d have to take class before performing either.

The pranks on the studio lot were great fun and managed to get us, Jets, versus sharks, in a heap of trouble. If a jet, like myself, words to walk alone from one studio to another, getting ambushed and pestered by the Sharks. Jets versus Sharks was the standard rule. Jerome Robbins insisted we keep apart, even off the lot.

You were a part of an ensemble cast of incredible dancers, singers, and actors. Did you enjoy working with such a large diverse group of people? Who did you get along with the best? Whose skills as a fellow creative were you impressed with the most? 

The talent in our cast was mind blowing. In class every day before rehearsals begin class grew into a challenge. The combinations Jerome Robbins was giving us were nearly impossible. True to form, no one ever gave up. If you weren’t up to it, you could just step aside and watch. Natalie would would start class every day. She was on call, however, she rarely continued after the bar work. Not everyone in the cast was a professional dancer. Class was fun for everyone.

George Chakiris was Bernardo in the movie. In the London stage production, he had the role of riff leader of the Jets! He and I (as Jets) Shared a house in London, and George was like a big brother to me. Still is! Doing the movie I wasn’t allowed to be his little brother.

My family all lived in Los Angeles, and I had an apartment in Hollywood. Our after work social life within the cast was rare. Saturday night we had a poker game (with Jets & Sharks) which went on all night. But that’s about it. Alas Natalie never invited me to dinner with JR ( Robert Wagner), her husband. Of course, she was a shark!

When you first saw yourself in this film--what did you think of your performance and about the message it was trying to convey?

I was numb the first time I saw the movie. I spent a year touring England before I saw it. Over the years when I watched it I started to pick myself apart. “I could’ve done this. I should’ve done that.” But overall, I thought my character was consistent! To this day, I live by the 180 rule. (it’s in my book, “When You’re a Jet”, chapter 1, page 15).

The film represents a time in this country and particularly a time in New York when kids would group together because of their specific ethnicities. The sixties were a time of radical change and growth. Do you believe this is the reason why this film continues to move so many people even after so many years?

Romeo and Juliet started it all and the after effect would be somewhat the same, provided the storytelling is (was) as beautifully presented as a 1961 version was. I don’t believe the 2021 version left one with the same general understanding of the problem. Spielberg’s version was dark, and perhaps angry, which made the movie, just that, a movie. The original film was honest, real, and told the same story with hearts on both sides. Viewers reacted to that and will to the end of time.

The younger generations seem to dismiss classic films and simply labeling them as "old" and "relics"--to them it means it has no value in their society. How would you explain the worth of viewing and enjoying classic films to younger people? How would you encourage them to give these films a try?

You were throwing the ball in the wrong court. The young are, from a very young age, tutored by adults that have responsibility to teach, and then still values. America’s education system, through theater, music, and dance programs teach by example. West Side Story has been used worldwide in the education system and has been, As was Romeo and Juliet to literature. Classic films are the basic learning tool of the young. Who is going to expose them to this tool of the trade? Teachers and more seriously, parents! I dance from the age of six and sang songs of the 20's. It was my parents that lit the flames.

I give lectures to young students of the arts, telling them the importance of discipline. Something the young today are not taught, or encourage to develop the young have to get the classic movie bug from us! Show them the history, learn from the history.

What films would you recommend to someone just starting out with classic movies? What are some of your favorite classic films?

I gravitate to the classic musical films. Dance has been a major part of my life. Seven brides for seven brothers, carousel, Le girls, sing in the rain, were made with dancers, I knew, and possibly had work with ( most films made in 1950s and 60s). All of the Fred Astaire films are worth seeing over and over just to live in this incredible man’s world be an only an hour at a time. Each young person can find their own passion and films, no matter the age of the film. Think about it – viewing foreign films opens, a new world outside of the box.

Drama is easy to witness firsthand in any Betty Davis, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, or hundreds of performances, available on films.

Parents, teachers, and older folks, like me, must teach and encourage the youth today to find an identify their passion, and dive in. Daffny, You have a fantastic passion for classic and perhaps not so classic vintage movies, did this come to you out of the lust for money? No – absolutely not! But how much more rich your life is because of the vintage nerd. Everyone who is exposed to your passion is the winner. This is how we teach the youth or spark and interest in anyone – young or old!

If you were buying a car, anything older than 25 it’s considered a classic I believe films are classic because they are good, not because they are old. Alfred Hitchcock first film in 1929 was “blackmail “. It’s a fun murder mystery, but what makes it is Mr. Hitchcock Seen getting on a bus. Something he did in every film he directed. Does that make it a it? I think it does! Viewing old films is fun and educational. As a viewer, one can follow their passion for directing, acting, dance, music, costumes, decor, and set design, writing, sound, editing – anything that you want to, and need to know is right there for the viewing.

Jean and I watched “the seven year “recently with Marilyn Monroe. It was not well done in our opinion, 60 years years ago we both loved seeing it! Seeing it for the second time after five decades have passed, our opinion was astounding. We had a great time, tearing apart the script, direction, editing, and the acting! We couldn’t believe it was a hit so long ago.

This is your blog, and I seem to be rambling on. I have one last word re: the youth of today and Classic Films – Educate-Inspire- –and Honor! As adults the ball is in our court.

Some more of my favorite films (in no particular order): Swing time (1936)
Top Hat (1935), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954), 
The Polar Express (2004), Carousel (1956), 
Oklahoma (1955), Singin' in the Rain (1952), and 
Les Girls (1957)

Most every musical film I watch. Hello… I am an old dancer! Musical films, I rarely see more than once, with the exceptions: The Godfather (1972), Titanic (1997), It's a Wonderful Life (1946), The Carpetbaggers (1964)

 You have had an incredible career in the arts. You expanded yourself by tyring out different jobs and careers. In your book, When You're a Jet: A Dancer's Extraordinary, Ordinary Life, you share about your "180 percent rule". Could you explain what this is and how anyone can apply it to their own lives?

Nearly all my life my father always encourage us to be the best we could be. “You do not have to be the best in the world! You do have to be the best you can be! “ my life has been full of one challenge after another. Finding the passion and exploring new projects required giving, not 100%, but 180%! Our family motto, “put 180% into that passion, I guarantee success. “ There isn’t anything you can’t do when you have the passion and are willing to give it 180.

The dance continues….  

Sincerely,  David 

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Retro Recipes from the '50s and '60s: 103 Vintage Appetizers, Dinners, and Drinks Everyone Will Love

February 29, 2024

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Retro Food

I just love old recipes. I have a slew of vintage cookbooks but the recipes are usually hard for me to understand. I appreciate a cookbook that takes old recipes and fleshes them out for the modern day cook. Retro Recipes from the '50s and '60s: 103 Vintage Appetizers, Dinners, and Drinks Everyone Will Love by Addie Gundry has heaps retro recipes that include appetizers, dinners, sides, soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts, and drinks. 

This cookbook not only shares some delicious retro recipes from the 1950's and 1960's but each recipes includes a detailed photo of what the end result should look like. I am a very visual person and the photos included in this retro recipe cookbook are so helpful. I also need my recipes to be as short as possible and to the point. These recipes give all that and so much more.

If you love old recipes as much as I do and you're interested in getting a copy of this retro recipe book you can score your own copy HERE.

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We're All Pretty Bizarre From 80s Tees

February 26, 2024

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Personal Style

Back in 1985 the late John Hughes wrote the words, “We're all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that's all.” For those of you that grew up watching The Breakfast Club (1985) it was the first movie that really showed the complexities of being a teen. Trying to figure out who you are, peer pressure, cliques, feeling like an outcast, family turmoil, and the pressures from family-all were displayed in the characters in this John Hughes movie. 

Although Hughes himself was in his thirties when he made this film, he never forgot what it was like to be a teen. He never forgot how odd we could all feel and no matter what our outsides looked liked we were all really going through the same things. 

As I have entered my 48th year I have never forgotten how weird I am. This quote from this iconic film from the 80's is a reminder that all those things that make us who we are can be seen as bizarre and that some people hide it better than others. I have never been good at lying especially to myself-so I embrace the weird and bizarre and accept that it what it is. What you see is what you get and so much more.

We are all pretty bizarre, aren't we?

**In collaboration with 80stees.com: All my opinions are my own**

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That Thing You Do! (1996) Soundtrack Vinyl from Mondo

February 25, 2024

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Vintage Vinyl Records

Have you ever watched a film that you just loved and enjoyed the soundtrack to the film just as much? You can listen to a soundtrack and it can transport you right back into the movie or you can hear the music in the film and suddenly the quality of a scene is lifted to new heights. 

My record collection like my cd and cassette tape collections, all contain soundtracks. One of my favorites in the 90's was from The Last of the Mohicans (1992). I think I wore that cassette tape out. The 1990's had a lot of good movie soundtracks. That Thing You Do! (1996) was one of them. The film was set in 1964 and follows a group of friends who form a band called the Wonders who set the world of music on fire.

I recently purchased my own copy of the film soundtrack from That Thing You Do! (1996) from Mondo. Mondo has all sorts of vinyls and specializes in rare movie soundtracks which you can find HERE. When I gave this new record a listen and it is like having the Wonders singing right in your living room. Pure Magic. Are you a big fan of movie soundtracks? If so, which are your favorites?

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A Vintage Nerd Amazon Storefront

February 12, 2024

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Be Inspired

I'm taking a few steps as a blogger to not only enhance my blog and the work I have been doing for over ten years but also to build on the business side of my blog. I recently opened an Amazon Storefront on Amazon. There I have categories where you can shop from. Each category is carefully curated, true to my brand, and caters to all things that I love. 

The classic films and old Hollywood books I added to my storefront are a result of years of watching, reading, discovering, and endless trips down the rabbit hole of researching. In those two categories alone in my shop you can find endless titles of films and books-many which are hard to find or you may have never heard of before. 

I am adding to my shop frequently but know that what I add I have either worn, seen, read, or used before myself. I will never recommend a product that isn't good quality. Each time someone from my storefont shops, I will receive a small commission once the item is shipped. 

I would love for you to stop by my new Amazon Storefront. I love what I do as a blogger here on A Vintage Nerd and hope that this new endeavor will make the grade.

A Vintage Nerd Amazon Storefront

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