Hellbent for Horror

How does it make you feel when somebody stares at you? 

An unflinching stare.  Angry?  Scared?  Anxious?  All of the above?  How about when said eyes belong to a doll?  Depends on the doll, really.  If it's obviously fake, then it's not a problem, but what if it's really life-like? 

The "uncanny valley" is a term that refers to a graphic representation of how comfortable we are with unreal faces.  They can get closer and closer to human and we like them more until….they cross a threshold and then…

let's say we're less than happy with them. 

This is why people get creeped out by dolls or ventriloquist dummies, or human-styled robots or androids.  This territory is great fodder for horror stories.  The potential for dolls to come to life, or artificial intelligence (AI) or robots getting a software glitch (or even evolving) and turning on us is a great trope to scare people with. 

We can also explore our relationship with humanity and technology with great story-telling.  In this episode I talk about AI and the uncanny valley, and how horror has used these techniques to tell some interesting stories.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Join the Hellbent for Horror Horde on Patreon! Click here: http://bit.ly/2i3VLoe

If you like the show, please consider writing a review on iTunes or Google Play.  It really helps.   

You can now subscribe to the Hellbent for Horror podcast now available on iTunes, Google Play, PlayerFM, and Stitcher.

You can keep up with Hellbent for Horror on iTunes @iTunesPodcasts  

iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hellbent-for-horror/id1090978706

Google Play link:https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ibsk2i4bbprrplyvs37c6aqv2ny

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hellbent-for-horror?refid=stpr

For you, the listeners of Hellbent for Horror, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.

To download your free audiobook today, go to: http://www.audibletrial.com/HellbentForHorror

#horror

#horrormovies

#hellbentforhorror

Movies discussed:

Blade Runner (1982)

Hardware (1990)

Tourist Trap (1979)

Pin (1988)

Magic (1978)

Westworld (1973)

Ex Machina (2014)

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

The Terminator (1984)

Oh, to have been there in the heyday of Grindhouse Cinema! 

Rows of theaters on New York's 42^nd Street playing classics such as I Drink Your Blood, Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things, Ilsa: She-Wolf of the SS, Three on a Meathook, The Corpse Grinders, and more.

These movies are the stuff of cinema legend, and late night video parties...and so are the theaters and audiences that experienced them!  

And our guest today, 42^nd Street Pete Chiarella, was there for the highs and lows (and sleazy lowdowns) of it all.  Pete, the creator of Grindhouse Purgatory magazine, has lots of stories to tell, and he was kind enough to join me to talk about the filmmakers, the movies, The Deuce, and the Lost Hustler Spirit of New York City.  I invite you to listen in, and experience some real Grindhouse legend.

Take a hilarious trip through the gory, sexy, sleazy history of 'The Deuce" of the 1970's with tour guide 42nd Street Pete!

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Join the Hellbent for Horror Horde on Patreon! Click here: http://bit.ly/2i3VLoe

If you like the show, please consider writing a review on iTunes or Google Play.  It really helps.   

You can now subscribe to the Hellbent for Horror podcast now available on iTunes, Google Play, PlayerFM, and Stitcher.

You can keep up with Hellbent for Horror on iTunes @iTunesPodcasts  

iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hellbent-for-horror/id1090978706

Google Play link:https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ibsk2i4bbprrplyvs37c6aqv2ny

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hellbent-for-horror?refid=stpr

For you, the listeners of Hellbent for Horror, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.

To download your free audiobook today, go to: http://www.audibletrial.com/HellbentForHorror

#horror

#horrormovies

#hellbentforhorror

Movies discussed:

Satan's Sadists (1969)

Kingdom of the Spiders (1977)

Blood Feast (1963)

Color Me Blood Red (1965)

The Defilers (1965)

The Immoral Mr. Teas (1959)

Up! (1976)

Beyond the Valley of the Ultravixens (1979)

The Corpse Grinders (1971)

Bloodthirsty Butchers (1970)

Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things (1972)

The Wild Angels (1966)

I Drink your Blood (1970)/ I Eat your Skin (1971)

Ilsa: She-Wolf of the SS (1975)

Curse of Frankenstein (1957)/Horror of Dracula (1958)

Night of the Living Dead/ Slaves (Double Feature)

Coffy (1973)

Black Caesar (1973)

That's Sexploitation! (2013)

The Thrill Killers (1964)

Three on a Meathook (1972)

For a Few Dollars More (1965)

The Wild Bunch (1969)

Barbed wire Dolls (1976)

Dr. Butcher, MD (1981)

The Street Fighter (1974)

Deep River Savages (Sacrifice!) (1972)

Jungle Holocaust (The Last Survivor) (1977)

Undertaker and His Pals (1966)

Hell's Angels 69 (1969)

Make Them Die Slowly (1981)

Stone Cold Dead (1979)

Vanishing Point (1971)

Cannonball Run (1981)

Mondo Cane (1962)

Africa Blood and Guts (1966)

Love Camp 7 (1969)

Turkey Shoot (1982)

Death Wish (1974)

Sex Wish (1976)

Sabata (1969)

Payment in Blood or 7 Winchesters for a Massacre (1967)

Big Bird Cage (1972)

Big Doll House (1971)

Books:

Youth in Babylon- David Friedman

Shadows & Light: Journeys with Outlaws in Revolutionary Hollywood- Gary Kent

"ACTION!" John 'Bud' Cardos: The True Story of a Renaissance Cowboy, Rodeo Clown, Actor, Stuntman, and Director in Hollywood- John 'Bud' Carlos

The Whole Bag of Crazy- Pete Chiarella

People:

Kroger Babb

Gary Kent

Mike Vraney

Frank Henenlotter

Bud Cardos

David Friedman

Russ Meyer

Herschel Gordon Lewis

Ted V. Mikels

Long Jeanne Silver

I love the spirit of Independent Horror filmmakers, especially fans who are compelled to create, no matter what the odds.

In today's episode I interview Nick Hunt, the director/producer/creator of SAFE PLACE.

Nick is a true independent spirit, and we talk about the tremendous amount of legwork required to get his movie into production, how lack of experience didn't deter him, and an eye-opening peek into the power of social media as a marketing tool. 

We also talk about my favorite subject: horror movies! Nick talks about his influences, his desire to break down tired tropes, and his optimism for a brave new world in horror.

In the tried and true tradition of low budget horror movies, we celebrate that independent spirit in this episode and the drive of all independent filmmakers to get their work made and seen.

Follow Nick's film as it comes alive here: https://www.facebook.com/safeplacethemovie/

Follow Nick's journey through first-time directing: https://www.facebook.com/nicholas.hunt.73?ref=br_rs

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Join the Hellbent for Horror Horde on Patreon! Click here: http://bit.ly/2i3VLoe

If you like the show, please consider writing a review on iTunes or Google Play.  It really helps.   

You can now subscribe to the Hellbent for Horror podcast now available on iTunes, Google Play, PlayerFM, and Stitcher.

You can keep up with Hellbent for Horror on iTunes @iTunesPodcasts  

iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hellbent-for-horror/id1090978706

Google Play link:https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ibsk2i4bbprrplyvs37c6aqv2ny

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hellbent-for-horror?refid=stpr

For you, the listeners of Hellbent for Horror, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.

To download your free audiobook today, go to: http://www.audibletrial.com/HellbentForHorror

#horror

#horrormovies

#hellbentforhorror

Movies discussed:

Safe Place (2018- preproduction)

Child's Play 2 (1990)

Stephen King's "IT" (1990 Made for TV)

Creep 2 (2017)

Cult of Chucky (2017)

Jigsaw (2017)

Leatherface (2017)

Unearthed & Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary (2017)

All Through the House (2016)

Starry Eyes (2014)

Circus of the Dead (2014)

Baskin (2015)

Better Watch Out (2016)

SEX and VIOLENCE.

That volatile combination is both provocative and controversial for most people.

It's where we're at our most vulnerable, and Horror gives us the opportunity to confront our darkest emotions in a safe environment.

But, only a few horror films dig deep enough to strike a nerve.

They brashly go beyond titillation, and blur the line between sex and violence…to take us to dark, and uncomfortable places.

Only a few horror films dare to get...

Personal.

Join me as we get into a down and dirty discussion of Sex and Horror! 

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Join the Hellbent for Horror Horde on Patreon! Click here: http://bit.ly/2i3VLoe

If you like the show, please consider writing a review on iTunes or Google Play.  It really helps.   

You can now subscribe to the Hellbent for Horror podcast now available on iTunes, Google Play, PlayerFM, and Stitcher.

You can keep up with Hellbent for Horror on iTunes @iTunesPodcasts  

iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hellbent-for-horror/id1090978706

Google Play link:https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ibsk2i4bbprrplyvs37c6aqv2ny

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hellbent-for-horror?refid=stpr

For you, the listeners of Hellbent for Horror, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.

To download your free audiobook today, go to: http://www.audibletrial.com/HellbentForHorror

#horror

#horrormovies

#hellbentforhorror

Movies discussed:

Psycho (1960)

Peeping Tom (1960)

Dressed to Kill (1980)

Body Double (1984)

Sleepaway Camp (1983)

Irreversible (2002)

Deliverance (1972)

I spit on Your Grave (1978)

Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

Opera (1987)

Hellraiser (1987)

Society (1989)

Shivers (1975)

Videodrome (1983)

History is full of real-life horror stories. 

In this episode I talk with Dr. Harold Aurand, a professor of History at Penn State University, Schuylkill Campus, about true horror stories of history. 

We discuss the Great Molasses Flood in Boston, the Johnstown Flood of 1889 in Johnstown, PA, mine disasters, and some more little-known stories.  Truth is often stranger than fiction. 

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Join the Hellbent for Horror Horde on Patreon! Click here: http://bit.ly/2i3VLoe

If you like the show, please consider writing a review on iTunes or Google Play.  It really helps.   

You can now subscribe to the Hellbent for Horror podcast now available on iTunes, Google Play, PlayerFM, and Stitcher.

You can keep up with Hellbent for Horror on iTunes @iTunesPodcasts  

iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hellbent-for-horror/id1090978706

Google Play link:https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ibsk2i4bbprrplyvs37c6aqv2ny

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hellbent-for-horror?refid=stpr

For you, the listeners of Hellbent for Horror, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.

To download your free audiobook today, go to: http://www.audibletrial.com/HellbentForHorror

#horror

#horrormovies

#hellbentforhorror

Topics Discussed:

Spanish Influenza Pandemic (1918)

The Great Molasses Flood (1919) 

Sheppton Mine Disaster (1963)

The Great Johnstown Flood (1889)

Centralia Mine Fire (1962)

Cresap's War (1730)

Fries Water Rebellion (1799)

Do you ever wonder how the legends of monsters are born? 

What made people think werewolves and vampires were real?  How did the ideas of silver to kill werewolves, and garlic to repel vampires get passed down from generation to generation? 

People with mental illness were thought to be visited by ghosts.  Throughout history, before the discovery of microscopic organisms that cause illness, curses and monsters were thought to be the causes of illness and disease. 

Interestingly, the weapons from folklore that could destroy these monsters were also effective in treating the real-world disease.

  Garlic, salt, and silver all have antimicrobial properties.  In this episode I talk with Julie Vayda, an author and expert on ancient healing techniques.  She also has an interest in folklore and stories of monsters.  Julie sheds some light on how people used to think of illness in relation to folk tales of monsters, cats, and even alien abductions. 

It was a fun episode to make, and I hope you enjoy it.

Join the Hellbent for Horror Horde on Patreon! Click here: http://bit.ly/2i3VLoe

If you like the show, please consider writing a review on iTunes or Google Play.  It really helps.   

You can now subscribe to the Hellbent for Horror podcast now available on iTunes, Google Play, PlayerFM, and Stitcher.

You can keep up with Hellbent for Horror on iTunes @iTunesPodcasts  

iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hellbent-for-horror/id1090978706

Google Play link:https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ibsk2i4bbprrplyvs37c6aqv2ny

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hellbent-for-horror?refid=stpr

For you, the listeners of Hellbent for Horror, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.

To download your free audiobook today, go to: http://www.audibletrial.com/HellbentForHorror

#horror

#horrormovies

#hellbentforhorror

Topics Discussed:

#Black Plague

#toxoplasmosis

#Witches

#Vampires

#Ghosts

#Werewolves

#Alien Abductions

The movie adaptation of Stephen King's 'It' was hotly anticipated, and broke box office records. 

I was curious about the fervent response to this movie, not just by horror fans, but also by mainstream outlets.  After all, the novel came out in 1985, and there was already a miniseries created from it in 1990.  Once I saw 'It,' and thought about the movie, I started thinking about movie adaptations of Stephen King's books, in general. 

King is a prolific, long-standing, best-selling author who has been a mainstay of horror fans for over 40 years.  His books have been read and adapted by some big-name directors.  Some of these movie adaptations have been good, and many have been not so good. 

The topic of Stephen King books can fill many podcasts, but in this episode I decided to talk about my favorite movies adapted by Stephen King books.  It was a fun trip down memory lane, and got me thinking about what I really like about Stephen King's style, too.

  I hope you enjoy the episode, and let me know what are some of your favorite movies adapted from King's books.

Join the Hellbent for Horror Horde on Patreon! Click here: http://bit.ly/2i3VLoe

If you like the show, please consider writing a review on iTunes or Google Play.  It really helps.   

You can now subscribe to the Hellbent for Horror podcast now available on iTunes, Google Play, PlayerFM, and Stitcher.

You can keep up with Hellbent for Horror on iTunes @iTunesPodcasts  

iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hellbent-for-horror/id1090978706

Google Play link:https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ibsk2i4bbprrplyvs37c6aqv2ny

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hellbent-for-horror?refid=stpr

For you, the listeners of Hellbent for Horror, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.

To download your free audiobook today, go to: http://www.audibletrial.com/HellbentForHorror

#horror

#horrormovies

#hellbentforhorror

#It

#StephenKingsIt

#ItMovie

Movies and books discussed:

Christine (1983)

Carrie (1976)

Gerald's Game (book- 1992)

Misery (1990)

Dead Zone (1983)

The Stand (book-1978)

The Mist (2007)

Stand by Me (1986)

Cujo (book- 1981/ film-1983)

Pet Sematary (book-1983/ film-1989)

The Green Mile (book-1993/ film- 1999)

Sometimes, once just isn't enough.

And, in the case of Tobe Hooper, it felt right to honor this quirky and often misunderstood artist with a second helping of praise.

On this episode, I talk with John Cribbs and Christopher Funderburg, the co-creators of "The Pink Smoke" film review website (www.thepinksmoke.com) about the legacy of the late Tobe Hooper. 

He's a filmmaker who induces strong opinions and debate.  We talk about that debate today, and the contributions Hooper made to, not only horror, but also American Film itself.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Join the Hellbent for Horror Horde on Patreon! Click here: http://bit.ly/2i3VLoe

If you like the show, please consider writing a review on iTunes or Google Play.  It really helps.   

You can now subscribe to the Hellbent for Horror podcast now available on iTunes, Google Play, PlayerFM, and Stitcher.

You can keep up with Hellbent for Horror on iTunes @iTunesPodcasts  

iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hellbent-for-horror/id1090978706

Google Play link:https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ibsk2i4bbprrplyvs37c6aqv2ny

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hellbent-for-horror?refid=stpr

For you, the listeners of Hellbent for Horror, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.

To download your free audiobook today, go to: http://www.audibletrial.com/HellbentForHorror

#horror

#horrormovies

#hellbentforhorror

Movies discussed:

Un Chein Andalou (1929)

The Young and the Damned (1950)

Eraserhead (1977)

Lost Highway (1997)

Lifeforce (1985)

The Funhouse (1981)

Invaders from Mars (1986)

Spontaneous Combustion (1990)

I'm Dangerous Tonight (TV-1990)

The Mangler (1995)

Night Terrors (1993)

Toolbox Murders (2004)

Djinn (2013)

Extreme Horror Films: they are the "Elephant in the Room" for horror fans.

These films push the limits of the viewer to such the extent that they even divide the horror community on whether they go too far.

A large majority of these films have little, or no, socially redeeming value.

And yet...

There are a few extreme films that use the violence, and obscenity, and nihilism to create something that defies expectations and becomes something horrible/beautiful.

For those who dare to watch.

Guest Derrick Carey, from the Astro Radio Z podcast (and a horror film director himself), joins us to discuss some Extreme Horror films that aren't easy to dismiss...or forget.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Join the Hellbent for Horror Horde on Patreon! Click here: http://bit.ly/2i3VLoe

If you like the show, please consider writing a review on iTunes or Google Play.  It really helps.   

You can now subscribe to the Hellbent for Horror podcast now available on iTunes, Google Play, PlayerFM, and Stitcher.

You can keep up with Hellbent for Horror on iTunes @iTunesPodcasts  

iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hellbent-for-horror/id1090978706

Google Play link:https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ibsk2i4bbprrplyvs37c6aqv2ny

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hellbent-for-horror?refid=stpr

For you, the listeners of Hellbent for Horror, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.

To download your free audiobook today, go to: http://www.audibletrial.com/HellbentForHorror

#horror

#horrormovies

#hellbentforhorror

Movies Discussed:

Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

Irreversible (2002)

Scrapbook (2000)

Martyrs (2008)

Found (2012)

We lost another horror master in August 2017 when Tobe Hooper left this mortal coil. 

Hooper was a complicated artist, and in this episode, I talk about my appreciation of the man who gave us the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Poltergeist. 

There were varied opinions of the contributions of Tobe Hooper, but I think he was an inspired, surreal filmmaker whose contributions to horror can never be underestimated. 

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Join the Hellbent for Horror Horde on Patreon! Click here: http://bit.ly/2i3VLoe

If you like the show, please consider writing a review on iTunes or Google Play.  It really helps.   

You can now subscribe to the Hellbent for Horror podcast now available on iTunes, Google Play, PlayerFM, and Stitcher.

You can keep up with Hellbent for Horror on iTunes @iTunesPodcasts  

iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hellbent-for-horror/id1090978706

Google Play link:https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Ibsk2i4bbprrplyvs37c6aqv2ny

Stitcher link: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hellbent-for-horror?refid=stpr

For you, the listeners of Hellbent for Horror, Audible is offering a free audiobook download with a free 30-day trial to give you the opportunity to check out their service.

To download your free audiobook today, go to: http://www.audibletrial.com/HellbentForHorror

#horror

#horrormovies

#hellbentforhorror

Movies Discussed:

Eggshells (1969)

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Eaten Alive (1976)

Salem's Lot (1979)

Poltergeist (1982)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Part 2 (1986)

Lifeforce (1985)

Toolbox Murders (2004)

Masters of Horror: 'Dance of the Dead' (2005)

Masters of Horror: 'The Damned Thing' (2006)