Artist, Reynold Brown. Poster size, 41" X 81". Atragon ©1963 Toho
Friday, January 15, 2010
Classic Movie Art: ATRAGON
American International 3-Sheet Poster, 1965
アメリカ版『海底軍艦』の大きな３シートポスター!
Artist, Reynold Brown. Poster size, 41" X 81". Atragon ©1963 Toho
Artist, Reynold Brown. Poster size, 41" X 81". Atragon ©1963 Toho
Friday, January 1, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KUMI MIZUNO!
Toho's Siren of the 1960s: January 1, 1937
お誕生日おめでとう、水野久美様!
A private 1960 portrait taken by her father when she was 23.
The eternal diva or Toho's fantasy films of the 1960s, or as the Japanese refer to her as the "Madonna", was born as Maya Igarashi in the city of Sanjo, Niigata prefecture where her family ran a photography business. She was a member of the Drama Club while attending Azuma Sanjo High School, and in her Senior year, was the star of their annual stage production. She made her screen debut in the 1957 Shochiku Studios production of Minoru Shibuya's CRAZY SOCIETY.
In 1958, Mizuno was signed by Toho Studios, and a year later, became an alumni of the 8th Graduating Class of Toho's Theatrical Training School. Mizuno went on to appear, and then star in, numerous films at the studio, such as Hiroshi Inagaki's THE THREE TREASURES (1959), Ishiro Honda's SENIORS, JUNIORS AND CO-WORKERS (1959), Kihachi Okamoto's WESTWARD DESPERADO (1960), Okamoto's BIG SHOTS DIE AT DAWN (1961), Hideo Suzuki's WOMAN OF DESIGN (1962), Okamoto's WARRING CLANS (1963), Jun Fukuda's BLOOD AND DIAMONDS (1964), and many others.
But, Ms. Mizuno is perhaps best known outside of Japan for her fantasy film roles, including the Ishiro Honda films, as Takiko Nomura in GORATH (1962), Maimi Sekiguchi in MATANGO (1963), Sueko Togami in FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD (1965), Miss Namikawa in MONSTER ZERO (1965) and Akemi Togawa in THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966). Jun Fukuda, who had worked with Mizuno in several crime films, cast her to replace Noriko Takahashi as sarong-clad Dayo in GODZILLA VS. THE SEA MONSTER (1966).
She has continued acting until today, and recently returned to Toho's fantasy films with featured roles in GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA (2002) and GODZILLA FINAL WARS (2005). In October of 2009, she took on the lead role of Dr. Sano in the Toho stage adaption of Honda's 1960 film, THE HUMAN VAPOR. Director Honda said this about the actress in a 1991 interview, "Mizuno was amazing; when she stepped into a role, she actually became the character she was playing!" As an actress, she certainly had it all, and may her eternal, celluloid Je ne sais quoi continue to fascinate future generations of movie fans!
A private 1960 portrait taken by her father when she was 23.
The eternal diva or Toho's fantasy films of the 1960s, or as the Japanese refer to her as the "Madonna", was born as Maya Igarashi in the city of Sanjo, Niigata prefecture where her family ran a photography business. She was a member of the Drama Club while attending Azuma Sanjo High School, and in her Senior year, was the star of their annual stage production. She made her screen debut in the 1957 Shochiku Studios production of Minoru Shibuya's CRAZY SOCIETY.
In 1958, Mizuno was signed by Toho Studios, and a year later, became an alumni of the 8th Graduating Class of Toho's Theatrical Training School. Mizuno went on to appear, and then star in, numerous films at the studio, such as Hiroshi Inagaki's THE THREE TREASURES (1959), Ishiro Honda's SENIORS, JUNIORS AND CO-WORKERS (1959), Kihachi Okamoto's WESTWARD DESPERADO (1960), Okamoto's BIG SHOTS DIE AT DAWN (1961), Hideo Suzuki's WOMAN OF DESIGN (1962), Okamoto's WARRING CLANS (1963), Jun Fukuda's BLOOD AND DIAMONDS (1964), and many others.
But, Ms. Mizuno is perhaps best known outside of Japan for her fantasy film roles, including the Ishiro Honda films, as Takiko Nomura in GORATH (1962), Maimi Sekiguchi in MATANGO (1963), Sueko Togami in FRANKENSTEIN CONQUERS THE WORLD (1965), Miss Namikawa in MONSTER ZERO (1965) and Akemi Togawa in THE WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS (1966). Jun Fukuda, who had worked with Mizuno in several crime films, cast her to replace Noriko Takahashi as sarong-clad Dayo in GODZILLA VS. THE SEA MONSTER (1966).
She has continued acting until today, and recently returned to Toho's fantasy films with featured roles in GODZILLA AGAINST MECHAGODZILLA (2002) and GODZILLA FINAL WARS (2005). In October of 2009, she took on the lead role of Dr. Sano in the Toho stage adaption of Honda's 1960 film, THE HUMAN VAPOR. Director Honda said this about the actress in a 1991 interview, "Mizuno was amazing; when she stepped into a role, she actually became the character she was playing!" As an actress, she certainly had it all, and may her eternal, celluloid Je ne sais quoi continue to fascinate future generations of movie fans!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HARUO NAKAJIMA!
The Original Godzilla: January 1, 1929
お誕生日おめでとう ゴジラさん、中島春雄!
Taking a break on the set of GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH (1971) ©Toho
This is the first photo I ever saw of the man who played Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima, in an early '70s issue of Greg Shoemaker's seminal Japanese Fantasy Film Journal (which subsequently appeared in the pages of Randall D. Larson's Cinefan and Forrest J. Ackerman's Famous Monsters of Filmland), and I consider it to be the definitive image of the man (thanks Greg!).
Mr. Nakajima turns a spry 81 today, and wants his fans to know that he is still going strong (check out my 2009 birthday notice for more information on Japan's dean of monster actors)! We cannot thank him enough for his myriad of kaiju roles which started in 1954 with the roar that was heard around the world in GODZILLA. Help us to wish Mr. Nakajima have one of the greatest years ever, by expressing your own personal greetings and sending them to Armand Vaquer, who will officially forward them to Godzilla himself!
Taking a break on the set of GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH (1971) ©Toho
This is the first photo I ever saw of the man who played Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima, in an early '70s issue of Greg Shoemaker's seminal Japanese Fantasy Film Journal (which subsequently appeared in the pages of Randall D. Larson's Cinefan and Forrest J. Ackerman's Famous Monsters of Filmland), and I consider it to be the definitive image of the man (thanks Greg!).
Mr. Nakajima turns a spry 81 today, and wants his fans to know that he is still going strong (check out my 2009 birthday notice for more information on Japan's dean of monster actors)! We cannot thank him enough for his myriad of kaiju roles which started in 1954 with the roar that was heard around the world in GODZILLA. Help us to wish Mr. Nakajima have one of the greatest years ever, by expressing your own personal greetings and sending them to Armand Vaquer, who will officially forward them to Godzilla himself!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
ATLANTA READIES TO DESTROY ALL MONSTERS!
Silver Screen Spookshow on December 26, 2009
Godzilla returns to Atlanta's Plaza Theater with a special Silver Scream Spook Show presentation of Ishiro Honda's DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1968) on Saturday, December 26th. The Silver Scream Spook Show is a 30-minute live stage presentation "filled with magic tricks, dancing girls, spectacle and frights!", followed by a classic horror movie in 35mm. Admission is $7.00 for the 1:00 pm Matinee (free for kids under 12) and $10 for the 10:00 pm show.
Plaza Theater
1049 Ponce De Leon Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia 30306
404.873.1939
Sunday, December 6, 2009
ULTRAMAN GOES NEO-MID CENTURY '60s POP!
Bob Logan's Amazing "Ultraman" Studies
Episode 1, "Ultra Operation: No. 1". ©1966 Tsuburaya Productions
Episode 5, "Secret of the Milogandar". ©1966 Tsuburaya Productions
Episode 2, "Blast the Invaders". ©1966 Tsuburaya Productions
Back in August, I posted a fantastic Science Patrol recruiting poster created by illustrator and animator Bob Logan. Here, I've posted three of his "Ultraman Studies" taken from scenes in early episodes of the original ULTRAMAN. It goes without saying that Mr. Logan has a keen interest in the 1966 series, and these studies were executed in the style of Neo-'50s pop art; akin to the work of contemporary retro-pop purveyors, Shag and Tim Biskup.
But, who is Bob Logan? For those who don't know, the Annie-award nominee began his career cutting his teeth on The Simpsons in the early 1990s. Since then, has worked as a Story Artist on various animation productions for Walt Disney Studios and DreamWorks Animation, including Powerpuff Girls: The Movie (2002). He recently published his first book, Rocket Town (2008) from Tor Books. I certainly hope to see more of his Ultraman-inspired work in the future!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
MOBILE SUIT ULTRAMAN: THE MOVIE
Where Gundam Meets The Hero From M78!
『劇場版 機動戦士ウルトラマン』!
"Visual Effects Fantasy: Ultraman". ©Tsuburaya Productions
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM: THE MOVIE. ©Sunrise/Shochiku
The above faux Ultraman poster (the artist and execution date are unknown at this time), is a play on the original poster for the first MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM: THE MOVIE feature from 1981. The original artwork was created by renown artist Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, who was the character designer on the 1979 television series. The mock poster features Science Patrol officer Hayata, Ultraman's alter-ego, subbing for Gundam pilot Amuro Ray, and puts the superhero from Nebula M78 in the place of the Mobile Suit RX-78. See the connection? Now, to paraphrase the opening theme song "Fly On! Gundam": Blazing higher, blazing higher, Ultraman!
"Visual Effects Fantasy: Ultraman". ©Tsuburaya Productions
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM: THE MOVIE. ©Sunrise/Shochiku
The above faux Ultraman poster (the artist and execution date are unknown at this time), is a play on the original poster for the first MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM: THE MOVIE feature from 1981. The original artwork was created by renown artist Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, who was the character designer on the 1979 television series. The mock poster features Science Patrol officer Hayata, Ultraman's alter-ego, subbing for Gundam pilot Amuro Ray, and puts the superhero from Nebula M78 in the place of the Mobile Suit RX-78. See the connection? Now, to paraphrase the opening theme song "Fly On! Gundam": Blazing higher, blazing higher, Ultraman!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
May All Your Turkeys Be Little(r) Ones!
火山怪鳥バードン 『ウルトラマンタロウ』より
Birdon from ULTRAMAN TARO (1973). ©Tsuburaya Productions
I wonder... How long would it take to cook a 33,000-ton, 200-foot tall carnivorous, volcanic turkey monster? How much stuffing would we need? How many people would it feed? What about the gravy? While we try to figure that out over here at Kaiju Productions HQ, I wish you all (whatever you are) a most wonderful Thanksgiving weekend filled with friends, family and plenty! Now, did anyone see where I left the Birdon Baster?
Birdon from ULTRAMAN TARO (1973). ©Tsuburaya Productions
I wonder... How long would it take to cook a 33,000-ton, 200-foot tall carnivorous, volcanic turkey monster? How much stuffing would we need? How many people would it feed? What about the gravy? While we try to figure that out over here at Kaiju Productions HQ, I wish you all (whatever you are) a most wonderful Thanksgiving weekend filled with friends, family and plenty! Now, did anyone see where I left the Birdon Baster?
Monday, November 23, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BORIS KARLOFF!
November 23, 1887 - February 2, 1969
Before FRANKENSTEIN. Photo ©Bodie Bailey
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GODZILLA!
November 3, 1954
ゴジラよ、誕生日おめでとう!
With Yukiko Kobayashi from DESTROY ALL MONSTERS (1968) ©Toho
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
VINCENT PRICE DOUBLE FEATURE SHOW!
October 27 & 28 • Clay Theater • San Francisco
After being out-priced (no pun intended) from our regular SHOCK IT TO ME! venue, we resigned ourselves to foregoing our annual October show this year, and instead turn our efforts to 2010. Then, about 14 days ago, I was contacted by a friend at Landmark Theaters, who asked if we could help them with a show for two night that they had available at the end of the month. Within seven days, we came up with an excellent night of prime Vincent Price:
The San Francisco-based classic horror film festival, SHOCK IT TO ME!, in conjunction with Landmark's Clay Theater, are presenting a very special two-night, "Vincent Price Double Feature" event, boasting a pair of true horror classics dug up deep from the vaults of American International Pictures (courtesy of MGM): THE LAST MAN ON EARTH and TOMB OF LIGEIA, as well as a cache of classic horror trailers and other spooky surprises.
Sidney Salkow’s THE LAST MAN ON EARTH (1964), features Vincent Price as the sole survivor of a world-wide biological disaster, which has rendered mankind a race of nocturnal, vampiric ghouls, whom he hunts by day – to drive stakes into their hearts – but must stave them off in a barricaded house by night, tormented by their unrelenting sieges.
Based on Richard Matheson’s “I Am Legend”, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH was one of the inspirations for George Romero’s seminal Night Of The Living Dead (1968), and was revisited as the Charlton Heston vehicle, The Omega Man (1971), and then as I Am Legend (2007), starring Will Smith. But, neither of these over-bloated productions had the grit, the oppressive, doomed atmosphere or the pathos of the original Vincent Price film.
Roger Corman’s TOMB OF LIGEIA (1965) was the final, triumphant entry in a series of eight, ground and box office breaking films based on the works of famed American Gothic writer Edgar Allen Poe, all (save for one) starring Vincent Price. Beautiful color cinematography shot on location in Norfolk, England, highlight this tale of love and obsession beyond the grave, from a screenplay by Chinatown's Robert Towne.
Price plays Verden Fell, a man obsessed by the certainty that his dead wife has returned in the form of a black cat, seeking to possess his new bride-to-be—a dual-role played by Elizabeth Sheppard (originally cast as Emma Peel on The Avengers). Ultimately, Fell must face the spirit of Ligeia, and resist her hold on him or suffer his own horrible demise.
This double-feature presentation (both films screen on the same night with an intermission between the features) will be presented in shocking, new 35mm prints! Tickets for the show are a scream at only $10.50 (General) & $8.00 (Seniors/Child/Student), and are prices you can't shake a stake at these days for these two great thrillers, starring the "Merchant of Meance" himself, VINCENT PRICE! Showtime each night starts at 7:00 pm.
The Clay Theater is located at 2261 Fillmore Street in San Francisco. Call 415-346-1124 for more information.
Sidney Salkow’s THE LAST MAN ON EARTH (1964), features Vincent Price as the sole survivor of a world-wide biological disaster, which has rendered mankind a race of nocturnal, vampiric ghouls, whom he hunts by day – to drive stakes into their hearts – but must stave them off in a barricaded house by night, tormented by their unrelenting sieges.
Based on Richard Matheson’s “I Am Legend”, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH was one of the inspirations for George Romero’s seminal Night Of The Living Dead (1968), and was revisited as the Charlton Heston vehicle, The Omega Man (1971), and then as I Am Legend (2007), starring Will Smith. But, neither of these over-bloated productions had the grit, the oppressive, doomed atmosphere or the pathos of the original Vincent Price film.
Roger Corman’s TOMB OF LIGEIA (1965) was the final, triumphant entry in a series of eight, ground and box office breaking films based on the works of famed American Gothic writer Edgar Allen Poe, all (save for one) starring Vincent Price. Beautiful color cinematography shot on location in Norfolk, England, highlight this tale of love and obsession beyond the grave, from a screenplay by Chinatown's Robert Towne.
Price plays Verden Fell, a man obsessed by the certainty that his dead wife has returned in the form of a black cat, seeking to possess his new bride-to-be—a dual-role played by Elizabeth Sheppard (originally cast as Emma Peel on The Avengers). Ultimately, Fell must face the spirit of Ligeia, and resist her hold on him or suffer his own horrible demise.
This double-feature presentation (both films screen on the same night with an intermission between the features) will be presented in shocking, new 35mm prints! Tickets for the show are a scream at only $10.50 (General) & $8.00 (Seniors/Child/Student), and are prices you can't shake a stake at these days for these two great thrillers, starring the "Merchant of Meance" himself, VINCENT PRICE! Showtime each night starts at 7:00 pm.
The Clay Theater is located at 2261 Fillmore Street in San Francisco. Call 415-346-1124 for more information.
JUST ADDED! In a special arrangement with the producers, copies of the brand-new NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD documentary, AUTOPSY OF THE DEAD, will be on sale in the Clay Theater lobby during our Vincent Price Double Feature Show! A few lucky attendees may also receive a free copy of the documentary as a special door prize! Attendees will also have a chance to grab a promotional poster for this undead documentary!
Watch the AUTOPSY OF THE DEAD trailer!
Purchase advance tickets: Landmark Tickets
Official event website: SHOCK IT TO ME!
Venue website: Clay Theater
Landmark's event website: Landmark After Dark
Watch the AUTOPSY OF THE DEAD trailer!
Purchase advance tickets: Landmark Tickets
Official event website: SHOCK IT TO ME!
Venue website: Clay Theater
Landmark's event website: Landmark After Dark
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
THE CREATURE WALKS AMONG US!
Bob Wilkins' "Creature Features" Returns!
Tuesday, October 13 • San Francisco
THE CREATURE WALKS AMONG US!
BOB WILKINS' CREATURE FEATURES RETURNS!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 @ 7:00 PM
BALBOA THEATER, SAN FRANCISCO
Go back in time! A complete 1973 Bob Wilkins "Creature Features" show with original show segments, TV commercials, guest interview with Forrest J. Ackerman, and feature film "Creature Walks Among Us" all on the big screen! The third film in the "Creature From The Black Lagoon" series finds the Gillman terrorizing San Francisco. The only safe place to be on Tuesday will be at the Balboa Theatre for this special "Creature Features" event. The first "complete" 1970's "Creature Features" screened in 30 years! Don't miss it this time as it will only be shown once and will never be released on DVD! Free movie posters for new horror films will be given away at the door! Hosted by former "Creature Features" host, author John Stanley!
• See the Event Trailer on Youtube!
• Click here for Advance Tickets!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
HALLOWEEN TIME IS HERE AGAIN!
Let The Festive Hauntings Begin!
Happy Halloween from "The Munsters"! ©Universal Studios
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