For those of you who don't remember the 70s, you really missed out, especially if you love horror. We didn't just have slasher movies making it to the big screen, but our TV was positively invaded with constant made-for-tv horror movies, usually about possession, haunted houses and witchcraft, but hey it was fun! Big-named actors wanted in on the fun too (as you can see below).
I am addicted to those old movies and cut my love of horror teeth on them as a child. So, I was thrilled to find on YouTube a channel that gives us those fantastic movies. OH MY GOSH! Screw Netflix (I dumped them). I have TV Terrorland to keep me happy at night. Well, hell, I have no boyfriend, so I'll settle for my second love--horror.
Just check out some trailers from the movies they have on his channel.
The House That Would Not Die (1970) Barbara Stanwyck
Crowhaven Farm (1970)- Hope Lange
The Strange and Deadly Occurrence (1974)- Robert Stack
A Howling in the Woods (1971)- Barbara Eden
The Dark Secret of Harvest Home (1978)- Bette Davis
The Devil's Daughter (1973) - Shelley Winters
Shattered Silence (1972) (aka "When Michael Calls")- Michael Douglas
The Strange Possession of Mrs. Oliver (1977) - Karen Black
When it comes to the horror movies, I have a strict the- older- the- better policy. My two favorite horror movies: Dance of the Vampires (Polanski, 1967, also known as The Fearless Vampire Killers, a great atmospheric comedy horror http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061655/) and Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens (1922, Murnau, a classic http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0013442/).
ReplyDeleteMy Day--(I like that short nickname for you since my last name is Day), I agree with you on the older ones. I think the early 70s was probably the most primo time, especially the Brit's stuff. It was all about the suspense and not the gore and jump factor. That's why I give Dead Silence and Insidious thumbs up--not terribly original, but damn, the suspense and atmosphere is awesome!
ReplyDeleteThe 70's was a great decade for horror. Just compare the made for t.v. films made now to back then. No contest. Also 70's TV Gargoyles, Don't Be afraid of the Dark, Trilogy of Terror. Today we get TV films like Sharktopus. I also love Dark Night of The Scarecrow even though came out little later still continued really good made for tv movies. Larry Drake is good in his weird roles :)
ReplyDeleteDark Night of the Scarecrow and Legend of Hell House I'd seriously like to see both in an NC-17 rating. They could have gone so much more dark. Another reason why erotica and horror go so well together.
ReplyDeletePoor Bette Davis. You can see her heart isn't in that performance just from that trailer. A lot of great actors were forced to work in terrible movies. For some reason, so many bad ones were made in the 70s--even the good ones were terrible. I always think of those quintessential 70s soundtracks (heavy on the maudlin strings of Korg synthesizers) that moved at a pace that would make Pinter say "C'mon! Let's go already". Yet, the better ones are left with a weird sort of charm because of that. I think of the original Halloween here. That music, the pacing, the shots; it all lend to this sort of suburban dystopia that haunts the screen like a quiet autumn evening when all the kids have gone inside and it seems strangely quiet.
ReplyDeleteWhat, no "Trilogy of Terror"? I'll never forget that little voodoo doll coming alive and terrorizing Karen Black. Too cool!
ReplyDeleteCullan; Yes, well there are lots of actors who went back to do little parts here and there in their older age to make a little extra cash or perhaps so they weren't forgotten. She was creepy in that, though. Well cast.
ReplyDeleteEric; I would guess he probably has Trilogy on the channel. I have only just begun to go through them. That zuni hunting doll one was a classic!
'Trilogy of Terror' was the first one that came to my mind for some reason. Maybe Dale is sending out his vibes!
ReplyDeleteholy crap, it's a treasure trove! I love how YouTube has been drifting towards allowing these classics to be shown in their entirety nowadays. I watched Riki Tiki Tavi the other night and about nostalgiafied my 70s born brain out of its ears.
ReplyDeleteI thought you did have an artist boyfriend though?
These are great - really take me back to watching tv in the 70s; thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, those movies just keep me going each night. Nope, no boyfriend right now. Just kind of coasting. I'm keeping busy with my writing and trying not to notice how lonely I am (hint hint men of Arizona)...
ReplyDeleteHey thanks for showcasing my YouTube channel :)
ReplyDelete