William Greaves' Symbiopsychotaxiplasm Take One

William Geaves made this film in 1968.

It is a brilliant example of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle at work within the mechanism of Filmmaking. You can find it on NetFlix and you'll be glad you did.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Horror Hotel's Amicus Roots

Although Max Rosenberg is listed as the producer of Director John Llewellyn Moxey's Horror Hotel it was by all accounts also produced by Milton Subotsky which makes this the first film produced by the team that would bring the world Amicus Studios.

Horror Hotel is an atmospheric giant of the genre and more than worthy of a thorough perusal.

Here I believe is a very fair overview by Steve Biodrowski of Hollywood Gothique.

Later,

Paul Parducci

New Director's Reel

After much input from my friends.
(Thank you all by the way. )
Here is my new Director's Reel.
Later,
Paul Parducci

Once a Soldier Always A Soldier. Happy Birthday US Army

(The photo is Sydney E, Manning Medal of Honor Recipient from World War One)

Today marks the 232nd anniversary of The United States Army. I am a former Soldier, I volunteered for the Army Infantry (Airborne) right after I completed High School. In many ways I count myself least among this amazing organization that includes men like Paul Smith and women like Deborah Samson. But at the end of the day, now and always I claim the title of "Soldier." I graduated from the US Army Infantry School at Fort Benning as well as the Airborne Course. That Blue cord and those hard-earned jump wings ( I jumped injured for my last three qualifying jumps -I have a total of Five Military Jumps) are among my proudest possessions. My Honorable Discharge is framed and hangs over my College Diploma. The discipline, loyalty and commitment to excellence I learned in the Army have supported me in all aspects of my life. I was fortunate enough to have served during peace but my brothers and sisters now under fire are constantly in my thoughts.

They say "Once a Soldier, Always A Soldier," and I have found this to be true. I am proud of all the branches of our Military but my heart belongs to the US Army. To be sure there is a quietness about my branch, a reluctance to display and discuss, this probably emanates from the concepts of the "Quiet Professional," (Army Hero SFC Chapman)and the legacy of George Washington and the Citizen Soldier (Barry Strauss piece on the Citizen Soldier) all of which find themselves lodged in the collective unconscious of the American Soldier. There is also it seems a professional acceptance at being unsung-by being the boots on the ground doing the tough thankless jobs, day in and day out frequently under unbelievably dangerous conditions.

The spiritual core of the US Army is the common Foot Soldier or Infantryman. He is the individual who when asked by America to do so, takes and holds ground. Even as we speak there are young men volunteering to do this. Volunteering to go in harms way.

LTC Randolph C. White speech gives an excellent overview about what it means to be an Infantry Soldier.

The hard lessons learned while at the Infantry School in the searing heat of summer in Georgia have stayed with me. When I encounter a problem I still say to myself ;"Over, Around, Under or Through." When a task is at hand I frequently think of the Infantry motto; "Follow Me!" Or the Airborne call,"All the Way!"
Because Soldiers are so frequently reluctant to talk about their service once it is done, you may be surprised by the number of Former Soldiers now serving in Congress.

Yes, Once a Soldier Always A Soldier. So even though my time as a Spartan is done and I now work in the dream factory making stories, I would like to tell all my Army family from Valley Forge to Kirkuk, from the beaches of Normandy to the rough mountains of Afghanistan.
Thank you for your service, Happy Birthday and remember this Soldier's prayers always have your six.
Later,
Paul Parducci
Sorry Almost forgot: HOOAH!

Broadcasting Electricity, The Avengers and Now

When I was a kid I used to watch re-runs of the the British import series the Avengers.(I think on New York's WOR TV ? Please help me readers.)

One episode in particular has stayed with me, in it the bad guy wore rubber boots and special gloves and sent lethal doses of electricity through the air. I didn't remember the name but I looked it up: "The Positive Negative Man."

It was the announcement of discovery of scientists this week of the ability to actually transmit electricity that prompted this post.

Be careful Emma!

Later,

Paul Parducci

Terence Fisher's "Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed"

"Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed" is a film deals with the human aspects inherent in bringing someone back to life. Although I have never been able to get through Shelley's Frankenstein (chalk it up to ADD.) Others who have have stated that this film comes the closest to Shelley's vision.

I just saw it and was extremely impressed by director Terence Fisher's vision. I highly recommend this movie for anyone interested in seeing a Frankenstein movie that isn't all about stomping around, dark castles and villagers. Hammer studios the venerable Studio that dripped blood put out this film. As I have spoken about before in this Blog, Hammer's rival (Amicus) has been a great influence on my take on this genre as well as my love of film. Amicus tended to present Modern Horror in a Contemporary setting. This was always more naturally to my liking so I generally avoided any scare pic with gaslights and horse-drawn carriages in it. Consequently I have not seen that many films put out by Hammer. But this take on the Frankenstein story has moved me in a whole new direction and made me want to see more of Fisher's brilliant yet largely over-looked work . And as he made most of his most memorable works with Hammer there will now be lots of Hammer on my queue.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Mark and Megan's "Bow Wow Bugs A Bug"

My good friends Mark Newgarden and Megan Montague Cash have put out a fascinating Wordless Picture story: "BOW-WOW BUGS A BUG."

To get filled in go here.

It's already a Junior Library Premier Selection and here's what Lane Smith says about it:

"What an odd, sweet, surreal, and hilarious adventure from Newgarden and Cash. It's what Crockett Johnson, Ernie Bushmiller, and Rod Serling might have come up with if they shared a bench at the doggie park. I love it!"

As visual story telling goes this is a perfect box of smiles for both you and the kids in your life.

Later,

Paul Parducci