Horror

All posts in the Horror category

Anne Bobby Haunts Hanover House (With Supreme Talent)!

Published January 26, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

There is one thing Big Gay Horror Fan knows for certain – spend a moment with eclectic actress Anne Bobby (Nightbreed) and you’ll intuitively know why this fascinating woman was lighting up Broadway stages as a teenager.

Thankfully, Corey and Haley Norman, the fabulous crew behind Bonfire Films, are capitalizing on Bobby’s magnetism and Barker style fan power, by luring her in front of the fright filmed cameras again for the (recently shot) The Hanover House.

Filmed at an actual spot of spooky activity, you can gain some behind the scenes knowledge by watching:
http://www.pressherald.com/templates/ME_Video_PopUp?bcpid=1348233384001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAADrS7PYE~,R_zvWDQBHEM1HhjYXWEMdZSIr0weuIOG&bctid=2112460850001

Further ghostly info can be gained at
www.hanoverhousefilm.com and
http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheHanoverHouse, as well.

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always accepting lovers of frighteningly talented stage goddesses at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, too!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

Anne Gwynne: Classic Horror’s Most Charming Presence!

Published January 24, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

“You dare to tamper with my attendants, to send this slinking cat Sonja to worm her way into my confidence?!?” – Princess Aura to Ming re: Anne Gwynne’s evil Lady Sonja, Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe

Oh, how Big Gay Horror Fan recalls the many moods of the limbless whores who raised him. One minute they were as benevolent as Jennifer Jones in saint mode, jockeying for an Oscar. The next, they were riding their trembling offspring with passionate insults, draped in their best dominatrix nun garb. Such duality in two 4’10’’ bodies!

That must be why I admire legendary Universal starlet Anne Gwynne (1918-2003) with such passion. Always contagiously beguiling, Gwynne played cowgirls, savage jungle maidens, greedy heirs and evil space conspirators throughout her career. Her charming friendliness often shines above her attempts at deep characterization – though her Lady Sonja in 1940’s Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe is a clipped and believably evil delight – but she is always a joy to watch.

Gracing the screen in un-credited roles in 1939, her first major genre participation occurred in 1940 with the above mentioned Flash Gordon and the Boris Karloff-Bela Lugosi vehicle Black Friday. She is sweet as Karloff’s daughter in Friday, but much more memorable horror turns came with 1941’s Black Cat, Weird Woman and House of Frankenstein (both 1944). Frankenstein found her playing the resourceful ingénue, but she was more morally ambiguous in Cat, playing a greedy relative with an expensive agenda. Taking memorability a step further, as Lon Chaney Jr.’s sensitive bride in Woman, she is a confused young islander raised in the practice of voodoo. Once settled into mainland society, she tries to give up the ways that are natural to her (a circumstance that many Big Gay Horror Fans have flirted with over the years)but the vengeful plotting of her husband’s colleague (played with vicious purpose by Gwynne’s friend and fellow genre vixen Evelyn Ankers)sends her retreating back to her former practices.

Of course, as with many performers, the full-bodied roles died away for Gwynne within a matter of years. As Tess Trueheart in 1947’s Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome, she is given little to do. Still stunningly beautiful, she does command attention in an enjoyable bit with former co-star Karloff.

Gwynne, whose final genre appearance was in 1958’s Teenage Monster, is also notable for a providing an interesting genealogy of cult entertainment. Her daughter Gwynne Gilford acted in such films as 1972’s Beware! The Blob and 1980’s Fade to Black while grandson Chris Pine is best known as James T. Kirk in the J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek films.

More information can be gathered on Gwynne at www.annegwynne.com.

Meanwhile, Big Gay Horror Fan is always welcoming lovers of the Universal Horror Ladies at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE – Big Gay Horror Fan!

Music to Make Horror Movies By: Dirty Sanchez – “Really Rich Italian Satanists”

Published January 20, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

Big Gay Horror Fan spent the majority of his country based youth cowering under (the occasional) street lamp, sure that every passing car contained a demented hillbilly matriarch with kidnapping on her mind. Oh, the true (toothless) terror!

Of course, getting snatched by a smooth devil worshipping cult may have been an altogether different story – as witnessed by Dirty Sanchez’s awesome Really Rich Italian Satanists. Co-founded by the legendary Jackie Beat (Gingerdead Man III), Mario Diaz and DJ BARBEAU (how appropriate!) in Los Angeles in 2001, this terror-ific tune is one of the slinky trio’s best. Check it here:

You can keep up with all the fabulous Jackie Beat has to offer at www.missjackiebeat.com.

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always cavorting with blood thirsty Europeans at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan.

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

Get Yer Howl on with She Wolf Rising!

Published January 17, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

Big Gay Horror Fan has always believed that there is no problem that a bottle of Nair and a double chocolate bar couldn’t solve.

Unfortunately, these cure-alls will do nothing for Tiffany Shepis in the awesome looking Scream Queen bonanza She Wolf Rising.

Besides, Shepis this fury, furry horror outing features such terror notables as Debbie Rochon, Tina Krause, Alan Rowe Kelly, Ruby LaRocca and Nicola Fiore. Meanwhile, newcomer Timothy Mandala provides some visual eye candy for all those who stand in my corner at the limb chopping party.

You can check out the trailer for She Wolf Rising at:

You can keep up-to-date with all its moon based outings at
http://www.facebook.com/Shewolfrising?ref=ts and
www.shewolfrising.com, as well.

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, always welcomes new members of the pack at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE! – Big Gay Horror Fan

Taking a Chance in Hell with Amazing Tony Wash!

Published January 13, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

In his younger, hope filled days Big Gay Horror Fan believed that those unexpected meetings on the street with an object of his affection were fortuitous signals of better things to come. Of course, I hadn’t a Satan’s fiery clue.

Thankfully, determined and talented Midwestern auteur Tony Wash has a better way to describe a different kind of A Chance in Hell with his awesome, highly acclaimed zombie meets Nazi’s short of the same name. Gaining numerous awards and honors throughout its showings at various festivals, A Chance in Hell is now available for purchase, in all its vibrantly filmed glory at www.scotchworthy.com.

You can take a look at all the axe chopping power involved by watching official trailer here:

You can also keep up with the production’s demented activity at:
http://www.facebook.com/achanceinhell

Wash, who recently directed genre legends Sid Haig (see photo above), Robert Z’Dar and Joe Estevez in the crime drama High on the Hog, is constantly developing new works – including a podcast devoted to indie filmmakers called It Came from the Underground and an awesome sounding horror film called The Storm centered on a female roller derby team. To keep up with all that juicy madness, be sure to visit:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scotchworthy-Productions/146566798706083

Big Gay Horror Fan is always accepting old world zombie killers at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, as well.

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

Forget Yer Love Handles! This is the Real “Dead Weight!”

Published January 12, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

Big Gay Horror Fan will never forget the day that Mother Superior Demonessa keeled over dead during a lecture on Zombie Survival Tactics and landed, stomach first, right on my feet! I cannot describe the pain that I experienced waiting for that tow truck to break through the schoolyard walls and drag her away.

Thankfully, writer/directors Adam Bartlett and John Pata and lead actor Joe Belknap have a much better way to describe Dead Weight with their stellar post-apocalyptic horror flick.

Big Gay Horror Fan was lucky enough to catch up with these three outside Wizard World in Rosemont, IL in August 2012!

When you’re done watching, be sure to give Big Gay Horror Fan another lift, by checking out http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, as well!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

Review: 6 Degrees of Hell

Published January 8, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

“The pretty son of a cop is defiling a grave, chief!” – Demon, 6 Degrees of Hell

Sometimes Big Gay Horror Fan mixes a can of corn into his stovetop chili for lunch – and calls that ambition. But leave it to heroic director Joe Raffa and far reaching writer Harrison Smith to truly go the distance with their multi-plotted, flashback strewn horror opus 6 Degrees of Hell.

Certainly convoluted, this tale features under-threads of possession, reality show antics, psychic awareness, romantic rivalry and haunted objects. The finale takes place in a real Halloween Haunted attraction, the Hotel of Horror in Saylorsburg, PA. Many have claimed that this is the film’s true drawing power and its presence is not felt fully enough throughout the movie’s spooky happenings.

Yet, Raffa and Smith are obviously going for something different here. They mix plenty of mature characters in with their young adult set and follow them on a winding journey as they collect a group of objects that eventually end up possessing the performers at the Hotel of Horror one fateful evening. Chief among these characters are prescient June (a solid Nicole Cinaglia), bad boy Kellen (Raffa, showing true presence), haunted reality star Erik (sympathetic Kyle Patrick Brennan), angry police chief John Hanson (a truly believable Faust Checho) and Uncle Jack (a likeable Brian Gallagher), the proprietor of the haunt.

Granted, the low budget mares the duel auteurs’ vision a bit and some streamlining may have been in order. But, viewers with a clear focus should catch all of the film’s subtleties. There is, also, enough blood and violence in the multiple asides to retain interest – even if confusion may reign for a moment. The two, also, use their flashback sequences to build power in the contemporary scenes. Wandering through the haunt attraction at the outset of the spirit fueled finale, June recalls an event from her childhood. As the remembered feelings grow in intensity, the electricity in the attraction blows out, bringing about a galvanizing filmic synchronicity.

Casting wise, the project’s publicity unit has focused on the participation of mini-genre icon Corey Feldman and former television star Jill Whelan (Love Boat) – who both acquit themselves admirably in supporting (Feldman) and minor (Whelan) roles. But, it is Raffa, Checho and Gallagher who truly offer layered performances here.

And, interestingly, while the beautiful Ashley Sumner offers up the film’s only (post mortem) nudity, it is the male cast (including Raffa, Brennan and David J. Bonner as Chris) who offer up the film’s primary visual appeal, a common requirement of any genre project. Raffa and Smith even seem to acknowledge this with the above tagline and multiple joking/sarcastic references to homosexuality among the male characters in the cast.

Released by Breaking Glass Pictures (www.breakingglasspictures.com) in late 2012, you can catch the trailer for 6 Degrees of Hell here:

You can also keep up with all the production’s haunted antics at:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Six-Degrees-of-Hell/242739789078346?fref=ts and
www.sixdegreesofhellmovie.com

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always waiting for celebrity guest appearances at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, as well!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE! – Big Gay Horror Fan!!

Lia D. Mortensen: A Nightmare on Elm Street’s Favored Mother!

Published January 5, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

There is nothing Big Gay Horror Fan adores more than a beautiful eclectic actress and when it comes to those qualities, Chicago stage actress Lia Mortensen is top of the line! Mortensen has even dipped her elegant feet into the razored bloodshed via her passionate performance of Nora Fowles in 2010’s A Nightmare on Elm Street. Yes, this gorgeous goddess of the boards actually got to chase down Jackie Earle Haley’s Freddy and send him to his fiery destruction! Currently, participating in the incisive stage revival of the mystical, gothic tinged Faith Healer at the Den Theatre in Chicago, Mortensen took a few moments to chat about her time on the Nightmare set and her current role. So, grab your singed sweaters and cherished playbills– and let’s go!

BGHF: Hey, Lia! Let’s dive right into the bloodshed! Was there anything that stands out in particular about your experience working on the A Nightmare on Elm Street remake?

Lia: It was a huge learning curve for me; I was on set for 3+ weeks, filming 7 scenes. This was my largest role to date, and getting comfortable, really feeling like I belonged there was challenging. I also LOVED watching the process from behind the monitor. Watching how the director and the lead photographer set up shots and then seeing that come to fruition. And it was awesome watching/being a part of the special effects! The stuntmen and women really earn their pay.

BGHF: It sounds fascinating! So, what was it like working with (genre remake queen) Katie Cassidy (Black Christmas, When A Stranger Calls) who played your daughter, on Nightmare? Were you able to spend any time together or was it more ‘hello – and go’?

Lia: “Hello – and go”, definitely. Let’s just say there is a distinction between Hollywood and Chicago.

BGHF: Well, all I can say is Ms. Cassidy lost out on some awesomeness! You’ve recently returned to a stage role you first visited many years ago. What has been the most interesting difference in how you approach the role of Grace in Faith Healer now as opposed to the original production?

Lia: Life experience! There is no substitute. The lines on my face have been earned. 17 years ago, there was alot I had to manufacture emotionally. Now, it’s just in me.

BGHF: What has been the most enjoyable aspect of revisiting the piece for you?

Lia: (laughing) I’m not sure the word “enjoyable” applies. Grace’s story is an intense, painful, one on so many levels. I suppose what has been gratifying about revisiting this piece is that we all three have wanted to return to these characters for years. We were too young for the roles the first time around. It’s as if we played a concerto and never resolved the piece with the final note. We are getting to do that now, if that makes any sense. And, I have found more humor in her all these years later. That’s good!

BGHF: Definitely! Grace does go to some dark places throughout Faith Healer. How do you prepare yourself to enter her journey for each performance?

Lia: Some days I think, God, I don’t want to go where she needs to go. But once I put on her sweater (which in my mind belonged to Frank) and sit in her chair backstage, I’m there. I listen to Frank’s monologue as if remembering the words he’s saying and I am transported – the sign of a brilliant play, if you ask me!

BGHF: True! You have forged a successful career as an actress and director in Chicago – which I know has involved hard work and (probably) plenty of emotional horrors. What has sustained you along the way?

Lia: Hmmm, the knowledge that I have no choice! This is what I love and I don’t have any other marketable skills! (More laughter)

BGHF: Well, at the very least, honesty will get you a smile! So, are there any current projects that we should keep an eye out for?

Lia: I will be (as well as Brad Armacost – my costar in Faith Healer) in a new adaptation of Spoon River Anthology at Provision Theatre – www.provisiontheater.org – (where I’m also an ensemble member) this Spring.

BGHF: Great! We’ll definitely have to check that out! And thanks, Lia. This has been better than chasing down a demented child killer any day of the week!

For more information on Faith Healer, which runs until January 20th, 2013, check out www.dentheatre.com.

Big Gay Horror, meanwhile, is always welcoming lovers of the bloody arts at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, as well!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

Overview: Osh Kosh Horror Film Festival 2012

Published January 5, 2013 by biggayhorrorfan

Big Gay Horror Fan believes some things are worth traveling for. Pepto flavored ice pops, a shop selling the latest slasher flick attire – and, last but not least, the Osh Kosh Horror Film Festival!

The brain child of writer-director John Pata (Dead Weight, Better Off Undead), this yearly Wisconsin highlight most recently took place on October 6th, 2012 and featured such truly ambitious offerings as A Cadaver Christmas, Tony Wash’s A Chance in Hell, the haunting Divination (starring genre legend Lynn Lowry) and the premiere of Cory Udler’s latest counter culture masterpiece, IDS Rising.

Here, Carolyn Baker from Screaming Like Banshees (www.screaminglikebanshees.com) discusses her directorial effort The Christmas Mummy with Pata. Like a steam punk comedy mixed with the Universal Horror of old, The Christmas Mummy was a definite festival highlight.

The Slasher Studios crew (www.slasherstudios.com) discuss their offerings – noir style Blood Brothers and devoted slasher throwback Teddy.

The joy shouting out from the above photo proves that there is ONLY one place in Osh Kosh to food break during a festival – and that is the awesome Fat Mama’s! Great service, delicious food (try the pulled pork sandwich, dripping with sweet coleslaw) and a fun atmosphere! Check it :
http://www.facebook.com/fatmamasbarbeque?rf=192020500831544

Here, Pata engages in the art of the multi-task as he works the concession counter with the brilliant Ashley Lamers – a woman who always proves that Osh Kosh folks are the bloody coolest!

In the theater with Studio Boo’s always active Chad Hawks and compelling literary chanteuse Christine Fugate!

Celebrities? They got celebrities! IDS Rising‘s Cory Udler (www.incestdeathsquad.com) shows off his collaboration with Ted V. Mikels – Demon Haunt! A perfect way to end a round-up, if there is one!

Be sure to keep abreast of all that is titularly horrifying in Osh Kosh at www.oshkoshhorror.com!

Big Gay Horror Fan, meanwhile, is always holding a spooky film festival of his own at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, as well!

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

The Backside of Horror: Christoph Bretner in Bruno Mattei’s Rats

Published December 31, 2012 by biggayhorrorfan

So many things have embarrassed Big Gay Horror Fan in his various living quarters over the years. Why you must remember the time that my actress friend Griselda sat on the couch in the living room without realizing she was resting upon my roommate’s rubber cock ring. It had blended in perfectly with that piece of furniture’s black leather exterior and she was blissfully unaware – despite my herculean efforts to rescue her! Horrors! Then there was the time that my building manager came into do a quick inspection and discovered mouse poo upon my stovetop. It had been dropped off, during the waning hours of morning, by an unknown (at least to me), yet very charitable visitor!

But, at the very least, I haven’t suffered the fate of Bruno Mattei’s characters in 1984’s deliciously ridiculous Rats: A Night of Terror. I have never ONCE been eaten alive, in my dwelling, by bucket loads of enormously flung rats!

Still, out of the many things to recommend about this enormously fun chunk fest, concerning a group of apocalyptic survivors who find more than they bargained for in the residence they are squatting in, is the copious amount of nudity provided by lean ‘n mean Cristoph Bretner (AKA Jean Christophe Bretrigniere)as irascible punk Lucifer.

Looking like a combination of Mick Jagger and an anorexic Goth child, Bretner exposes both lean arse and flopping pee pee as he beds the exotic Lilith. Played by lithe Moune Duvivier (whom apparently also essayed the all important ‘Nun on a Bicycle’ in the 1990 Molly Ringwald flick Strike it Rich), Lilith is dubbed in a dreadful Southern accent, and soon meets her fate via the film’s most memorable kill – a rat burrows its way into her sleeping bag entangled hoo-ha, nibbling its way up through her mouth!

Of course, Bretner soon meets his maker via the shrieking title monsters, as well. Thus proving, once and for all (again!), that nudity on film is very bad for the portrayer – but oh so good for us thrill-seeking viewers!

You can check out the trailer for Rats – which features the amazing Geretta Geretta (Demons) in a prominent Sigourney Weaver style role – here:

Meanwhile, Big Gay Horror Fan is always hanging with the fang sized rodents at http://www.facebook.com/#!/BigGayHorrorFan, as well.

Until the next time – SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!