Halloween Movies

Hey Kids,

So we sat down with the creeps from Phantom Harbor to discuss what they would recommend for viewing this Halloween season!

The Goblin went first:

(TRANSLATED) - My choices are 

1.) Legend of Boggy Creek - Good, creepy, creature
2.) The Abominable Snowman of the Himilayas
3.) Creepshow - particulary the "Jordy Verrill" sequence
4.) Disney's Pinocchio - the Pleasure Island scene is a good nightmare
5.) Murders in the Rue Morgue

When asked what drove his selections, he said: "Anything with big, hulking, hairy creatures in it is good."

Next we spoke with Captain Keller:

"Normally, I don't go in for all that sort of dreck, but if I don't speak up, I'll be forced to have to suffer under the whims of someone with far less taste than me.  So, since you're putting a hypothetical flintlock to my temple, I'll make some selections."

1.) The Ghost and Mrs. Muir - A ghostly, attractive, exciting ship's Captain meets a lovely widow
2.) The Portrait of Jenny - A ghost contacts an artist that leads them to a lighthouse on a stormy shore.
3.) The Four Skulls of Jonathan Drake - I don't know why this tale of voodoo and shrunken heads appeals to ME, but it does.
4.) 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - the one with James Mason.  Good ship's captain, like the way he handled his crew and situations
5.) Salem's Lot - again, with James Mason.  Something about Mason's voice is comforting and disquieting at the same time

Finally, Captain McAllister made some choices:

For Halloween, the viewing choices are best when they include the biggest names in outstanding horror movie production juxtaposed with classic Halloween subject matter.

So, my choices would be:

1. The Haunting (the one directed by Robert Wise) -

So, first for Halloween we have GHOSTS!

2. Dracula - Prince of Darkness

For my money nothing beats Christopher Lee and the Kensington gore of old Hammer Films.  So, second we have VAMPIRES!

3. Frankenstein

Universal Monster's greatest creation!  Frankenstein is nearly synonymous with the word "monster."
Third we have FRANKENSTEIN'S MONSTER as played by Boris Karloff, the best!

4. Burn, Witch, Burn

This somewhat obscure British film concerns witchcraft and you really can't have Halloween without WITCHES!

5. Night of the Demon/Curse of the Demon

WITCHES, WARLOCKS, a SEANCE SCENE and a horrifying FIRE DEMON!

6. House on Haunted Hill

Technically, THE HAUNTING could be considered a HAUNTED HOUSE movie, but producer WILLIAM CASTLE was a master at fun, thrilling movies and to me this could be the ultimate, classic, HAUNTED HOUSE film!

7. Pit and the Pendulum

Having Halloween without VINCENT PRICE and EDGAR ALLEN POE in a ROGER CORMAN film is like turning your lights out and not giving candy to trick-or-treaters.

8. George Romero's Dawn of the Dead

Really, the defining film concerning ZOMBIES.  There would be no WALKING DEAD without this film.  Frightening, gory, and full of social commentary.

9. Mario Bava's Black Sabbath

Colorful Horror, Italian style with a collection of short films that range from creepy to nightmare inducing.  You can't have Halloween without an ANTHOLOGY.

10. EVIL DEAD II

Director, Sam Raimi's masterpiece is a thrill ride and what would Halloween be without a story of DEMONIC POSSESSION?

Have a Happy Halloween everyone!

Okay, so for the next couple of weeks when you are stumped and looking for something to get under your skin, why not check out one of the films recommended by the Phantom Harbor spooks?

Until Next time, I'll see you at the Harbor.

Shannon Shea