Val Lewton

Val Lewton was a genuinely Creative Producer and Screenwriter who made eleven innovative films for RKO's B-Unit in the 1940's working with such outstanding Director's as Jacques Tourneau, Robert Wise and Mark Robson.

His RKO Films:

Cat People (1942)
I Walked with a Zombie (1943)
The Leopard Man (1943)
The Seventh Victim (1943)
The Ghost Ship (1943)
The Curse of the Cat People (1944)
Mademoiselle Fifi (1944)
Youth Runs Wild (1944)
The Body Snatcher (1945)
Isle of the Dead (1945)
Bedlam (1946)

Here is Mark Viera's excellent article on the man and his work.

Okay, it's time to watch Cat People.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Ed"Big Daddy" Roth, Rat Fink and the Center of the Livingroom

I have a clear memory of seeing an image of Rat Fink Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's seminal creation on American Bandstand as a toddler sitting in the center of the livingroom floor. It came and went quickly but that fiendishly cool-looking rat stayed in my head to this day. Ed Roth American designer and artist has had a profound effect on all aspects of the visual arts, from skateboards to Chrysler. Ed has gone to the big garage in the sky but here are some excellent links to get you up to speed on this amazing creator.

Detroit News Obit

Ratfink.org

Mr.Gasser.com

Tribute Page

Peterson Automotive Museum

and about Ron Mann's excellent movie: "Tales of the Rat Fink"
Later,

Paul Parducci

Robert Fuest's "The Abominable Dr. Phibes"

Robert Fuest's Over-the Top Deco Horror Masterpiece "The Abominable Dr. Phibes" is a must see during the Halloween season. It stars the always solid Joseph Cotton and Vincent Price ( at his tearing up the screen best) delightfully disturbed revenge sequences and a clockwork band.
Later,
Paul Parducci

Original Photograph: "Please Mary"

Here is my photograph entitled "Please Mary."
Later,
Paul Parducci

Billy Wilder's The Lost Weekend and My Lost Week

I haven't had a chance to post lately as I've been involved in directing a new project.

But here is a must see movie, Billy Wilder's "The Lost Weekend."

It's worth it for the Delerium Tremens sequence alone and Ray Milland has never been better.

Later,

Paul Parduci

Malachi Martin and his In-depth Study of Exorcism

Malachi Martin was a Jesuit who was involved in and made a study of the Exorcism of demons.
His book Hostage to the Devil is a chilling look at five cases of Demonic Possession in the modern era.



By the way,"Hostage" is best read during the day.
Later,
Paul Parducci