Author: Jeff Mitchell

31 Scary Movies: ‘House of Wax’

Jeff Mitchell

“House of Wax” (1953) – Director Andre de Toth’s turn of the century flick – set in New York City – bursts with gleaming horror camp. A mysterious man with a black hat and cape chases women in dark alleys. Unusual, suspicious equipment – including a huge, smoky cauldron – fill a secret lair. Police try to rescue a damsel in distress. A loyal assistant does not speak.  He only grunts, and his name is – you guessed it – Igor. Yes, “House of Wax”, starring the legendary Vincent Price, is…

31 Scary Movies: ‘Dead of Night’

Jeff Mitchell

Art House Film Wire is celebrating Halloween with 31 scary movies in 31 days, and Day 2 means Review #2, about the influential and stylish, “Dead of Night”! “Dead of Night” (1945) – This feature film finds its footing within an episodic format, as four directors – Alberto Cavalcanti, Charles Crichton, Basil Dearden, and Robert Hamer – contribute their talents to spin five weird stories of the supernatural that baffle the on-screen characters. “Dead of Night” was way ahead of its time, and it feels like an out-of-sorts combination of…

31 Scary Movies: ‘Frankenstein’

Jeff Mitchell

October is the time for ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night, so let’s celebrate Halloween each day this month!   For 31 days, Art House Film Wire will write about our favorite scary movies.  Hey, these films are our cinematic caffeine, because they keep us up at night.  They may not always be your favorites, but these 31 movies present a well-rounded mix thrills, chills, classic moments, and yes, all-out blood-and-guts gore. It’s time to put away the coffee and watch these movies. “Frankenstein” (1931) – Even 80 years…