Last week's Christmas delight, "Earth Vs. The Spider," featuring the spider dancing to that crazy rock beat, made me wish that the film had worked into the soundtrack Brenda Lee singing "Jingle Bell Rock," or "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree." The spider really dug that crazy rock beat!
Well, for New Year's Day, evening, that is, he is showing a REAL gem--1953's "The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms." It was one of Eugene Lourie's big three giant monster films--this being the first, the second, "The Giant Behemoth," in 1959, and the last, the British made "Gorgo," in 1960. A trilogy, of sorts.
They are all good. But 'Beast' is especially good because of the special effects of one of the art's masters, Ray Harryhausen. This is not camp, and while it is a pretty generic plot, it uses some NYC locales interestingly. Especially where the action culminates--a location not to be honored again till 1977, with Woody Allen's "Annie Hall." That is the only hint I am giving.
What is interesting is this film is based on a rather sweet short story by Ray Bradbury called "The Fog Horn," published two years before, in 1951. It tells of lighthouse workers whose light and sound brings forth a lonesome dinosaur, whom one can only sympathize with, who is looking for kindred companionship.
The above shot, this one scene, represents the entire short story.
The above shot, this one scene, represents the entire short story.
But tune in with us tonight, girls, as Svengoolie kicks off 2022 with a real gem!
2 comments:
Ray Bradbury!!!
The young people don’t even know who he is.
Victoria,
Ain't it the truth. I have been
trying to find a copy of "Dandelion
Wine," which I would like to reread,
and it is nigh impossible. Online,
I guess!
Post a Comment