December 30, 1967 Schedule: "Curse Of The Demon" 11:45PM

For my final post of the year 2007: Bob Wilkins showed the Columbia Pictures Classic, CURSE OF THE DEMON also known in the UK as NIGHT OF THE DEMON, for his final Saturday Night show for the year, 1967. This movie was first shown on Bob's show back on September 17, 1966. It was released on VHS by both RCA/COLUMBIA HOME VIDEO (SP mode) and the budget line GOODTIMES HOME VIDEO (LP mode) with the longer British Version but with the U.S. Title. Sony Home Entertainment finally released both versions on DVD in 2002 (along with the correct British Title: NIGHT OF THE DEMON). An excellent book on the subject was written by Tony Earnshaw, BEATING THE DEVIL:THE MAKING OF NIGHT OF THE DEMON.

Merry Christmas 2007 To All!!!

I want to wish everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to ALL!!!!!

December 23, 1967 Schedule: "The Phantom Of The Rue Morgue" 11:30PM

2 days before Christmas, Bob Wilkins showed THE PHANTOM OF THE RUE MORGUE (1954), a remake of the Bela Lugosi Classic as well as Edgar Allan Poe's MUDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE. This movie starred KARL MALDEN in the BELA LUGOSI role. This movie was released in movie theaters in 3D, but obviously was released in flat 2D on Bob's show. Only available on VHS by Warner Home Video.

December 16, 1967 Schedule: "The Creature Walks Among Us" Midnight

Believe it or not, Bob Wilkins shows this Universal Classic, though this isn't the best of the Lagoon Creature Trilogy. Though not the best, it is still a pretty interesting movie about scientists trying to surgically change the creature into a more human like hybrid.

December 9, 1967 Schedule: "The Hideous Sun Demon" 11:30PM

Bob Wilkins showed this 1959 Low Budget Horror Classic about an Atomic Scientist who was exposed to radiation which now causes him to change into a murderous lizard-like monster when exposed to the sun.

December 2, 1967 Schedule:"Cry Of The Bewitched" 11:30PM

I don't know much about this Mexican Horror Movie from 1957. IMDB doesn't seem to be much help. Does anyone else know much about this ? Did K. Gordon Murray release this film with his other imports?

November 25, 1967 Schedule:"Horrors Of The Black Museum" 11:45PM

Bob Wilkins repeated a very good horror film produced by Herman Cohn (KONGA). This actually is a repeat as it was shown on Bob's show on October 15, 1966. Check that post for a synopsis of the movie. HORRORS OF THE BLACK MUSEUM is available on DVD from VCI.

November 18, 1967 Schedule: "Dementia 13" 12:30AM

Bob Wilkins reruns a Francis Ford Coppola Debut Classic, DEMENTIA 13. It was last shown on September 24, 1966. This movie is currently in the P.D. and is available on numerous DVD labels such as ALPHA VIDEO, GOODTIMES HOME VIDEO, SLINGSHOT, DIGIVIEW, TROMA/ROAN, MIRACLE PICTURES, UNITED AMERICAN VIDEO, ELSTREE HILL ENTERTAINMENT, SYNERGY ENTERTAINMENT, MARENGO FILMS, MADACY VIDEO, BRENTWOOD, CULT CLASSICS and MILL CREEK ENTERTAINMENT and much, much more! It is available REMASTERED or NOT REMASTERED, SINGLE RELEASE or in DOUBLE FEATURES, in MOCK 3D or as part of a 20 pack, even a 50 pack. I have heard that the best one to date is the TROMA/ROAN release though I hear that even that release is flawed. It definately needs a CRITERION type of RESTORATION!

November 11, 1967 Schedule: "Planet Of Blood (1966) 11:30PM

Bob Wilkins showed a very spooky Sci-Fi AIP movie, PLANET OF BLOOD is better known by its Theatrical Title, QUEEN OF BLOOD. Amazing how this movie went from theatres to TV within a year of its release. This movie stars, JOHN SAXON (THE EVIL EYE, ENTER THE DRAGON, A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET), DENNIS HOPPER (EASY RIDER, BLUE VELVET,THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE PART 2), FLORENCE MARLEY and BASIL RATHBONE in one of his last movies. It was directed by CURTIS HARRINGTON who has directed many genre movies and tv. The production manager was GARY KURTZ who later gained fame with George Lucas as producer on AMERICAN GRAFFITI, STAR WARS and THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK as well as produced ENTER THE DEVIL and THE DARK CRYSTAL. FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND editor-in-chief FORREST J. ACKERMAN has a cameo. Still waiting for an official Region 1 DVD Release!

November 4, 1967 Schedule: "The Abominable Snowman Of The Himalayas" (1957) 12:15AM

Bob Wilkins showed a Hammer Films Classic from the 1950's. The plot: "A Kindly English Botanist and a Gruff American Scientist lead an expedition to the Himalayas in search of the legendary Yeti." This was written by NIGEL KNEALE who was famous for writing QUATERMASS and was directed by VAL GUEST who happened to directed the first 2 Quatermass Movies from the 1950's.

THE SEVERED ARM (1973) Running Time

Though listed as having a running time of 89 Minutes on all video boxes (Both the Uncut VIDEO GEMS VHS as well as all Cut TV Versions Videos), It is not correct. The Uncut VIDEO GEMS version clocks in at 91 Minutes while the Cut TV Version clocks in at 88 Minutes. So the Uncut Version is 3 Minutes longer. All of the Killing Scenes plus Ted having his arm cut off have been censored from the TV Version.

THE SEVERED ARM (1973) Video History

The Severed Arm (1973) has had a very checkered video history. It was first released on video in 1981 by VIDEO GEMS in a UNCUT and UNCENSORED VERSION, not since its initial theatrical release back in 1973, has it been seen like this, since it was usually cut when it was shown on television. Unfortunately, The VIDEO GEMS release remains the ONLY way to see THE SEVERED ARM UNCUT! All subsequent video releases were derived from the same Cut TV Print. They include MEMORY LANE VIDEO, CONGRESS VIDEO GROUP and STAR CLASSICS. The DVD releases were DIAMOND ENTERTAINMENT (paired with I BURY THE LIVING ), BRENTWOOD COMMUNICATIONS (Packaged with THE UNDERTAKER AND HIS PALS, SLAVE OF THE CANNIBAL GOD and IEAT YOUR SKIN and another packaged with all but SLAVE OF THE CANNIBAL GOD) and a more recent release from ALPHA VIDEO (paired with GOOD AGAINST EVIL). THE SEVERED ARM was only released on VHS and DVD, not BETA or LASERDISC). At this rate, I don't ever see it released UNCUT again especially in a SPECIAL EDITION DVD that it deserves. Since it is a P.D. title, most other companies probably won't touch it. I appeal to DVD companies like ANCHOR BAY, DARK SKY, SYNAPSE, ELITE, MEDIA BLASTERS or CODE RED to do a Special Edition DVD of THE SEVERED ARM. It deserves to be preserved on DVD in the best most complete print possible. Until that day comes, Expect to see the VIDEO GEMS VHS version of THE SEVERED ARM to command inflated prices on EBAY and AMAZON MARKETPLACE. I lucked out recently and got a used copy for $15.01 after foolisly selling another one 4 years ago. I won't repeat that mistake again! Have a look at the various covers of the VHS and DVD's of THE SEVERED ARM. My favorite is the VIDEO GEMS version with the FOUR FINGERS of a HAND. The worst and stupid one is the Brentwood solo DVD with a Hand with the caption "THE RIGHT HAND DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE LEFT HAND IS DOING". This is THE SEVERED ARM not THE SEVERED HAND. In fact, The hand looks like something from THE ADDAMS FAMILY.

THE SEVERED ARM (1973) Cast, Crew and Technical Specs

Next is a bit on the cast and crew and tecnical info on THE SEVERED ARM (1973), unfortunately, I don't know how reliable IMDB is, but most of the info is from them. Cast: MARVIN KAPLAN who played Radio D.J. MAD MAN HERMAN has an extensive TV resume that includes CHIPS, I DREAM OF JEANNIE, THE MOD SQUAD as well as a recurring appearance on ALICE as Henry. He also appeared in movies like IT'S A MAD MAD MAD MAD WORLD (1963), THE NUTTY PROFESSOR (1963 JERRY LEWIS VERSION) and FREAKY FRIDAY (1976) as well as other genre flicks like FANGS (1974) WITCHBOARD 2 THE DEVIL'S DOORWAY (1993) and an appearance on KOLCHALK THE NIGHT STALKER. PAUL CARR (1934-06) who played DETECTIVE MARK also has a large TV resume with such shows as STAR TREK, THE TIME TUNNEL, VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA, THE INVADERS and GHOST STORY plus genre flicks like BEN (1972), THE BAT PEOPLE (1974) and SISTERS OF DEATH (1977). DAVID G. CANNON who played TV WRITER, JEFF was also associate producer of THE SEVERED ARM, but that's it. Nothing more on him. JOHN CRAWFORD who played the DOCTOR, however was a veteran of both movies, tv and serials. On TV, he appeared in LOST IN SPACE, THE WALTONS, THE DUKES OF HAZZARD and DALLAS and Serials, THE INVISIBLE MONSTER (1950) and ZOMBIES OF THE STRATOSPHERE (1952) and movies like INVASION USA (1952), THE DEVIL'S MESSENGER (1961), JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS (1963), I SAW WHAT YOU DID (1965) and THE BOOGENS (1982). VINCE MARTORANO who played ARCHITECT BILL also did TV like STARSKY AND HUTCH and BARETTA but also did the cult film, THE CANDY SNATCHERS (1973). RAY DANNIS who played NUT CASE, TED did a bunch of genre movies like AGENT FOR H.A.R.M. (1966), THE BLACK KLANSMAN (1966), THE UNDERTAKER AND HIS PALS (1966) and THE CORPSE GRINDERS (1973). DEBORAH WALLEY (1943-01) who played TED'S equally demented daughter TEDDIE is most remembered as GIDGET in GIDGET GOES HAWAIIAN (1961) as well as other family friendly fare like BEACH BLANET BINGO (1965) and BENJI (1974) but also did genre films like DR. GOLDFOOT AND THE BIKINI MACHINE (1965), GHOST IN THE INVISIBLE BIKINI (1966) and THE BUBBLE (1966) in 3D! Crew: THOMAS S. ALDERMAN who directed THE SEVERED ARM as well as write the screenplay only did one other movie, CO-ED DORM (1971). LARRY ALEXANDER who wrote THE SEVERED ARM is a prolific writer of TV Shows like BARNABY JONES, MATT HELM, SWAT, FANTASY ISLAND<>

THE SEVERED ARM (1973) Detailed Synopsis (SPOILER ALERT!!)

The following is a detailed synopsis (Storyline) of one of my favorite films, THE SEVERED ARM (1973). I warn you in advance in case you haven't seen the movie: "SIX FRIENDS SPEND THEIR VACATION EXPLORING A CAVE WHEN IT COLLAPSES. AFTER 30 DAYS WITH NO FOOD, THE GROUP DECIDES TO DRAW STRAWS, THE LOSER HAS TO GIVE UP AN ARM SO THE OTHERS CAN EAT IT. TED IS THE LOSER AND HAS HIS ARM CUT OFF (MUCH TO HIS PROTEST OF "PLEASE WAIT A FEW HOURS MORE!") AND MINUTES LATER, THE GROUP HEARS DIGGING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAVE-IN, THEY ARE SAVED! REALIZING THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTIONS, THE GROUP CONCOCTS A STORY THAT TED HAD HIS ARM CRUSHED IN THE CAVE-IN AND THEY HAD TO CUT IT OFF TO SAVE HIS LIFE. TED ENDS UP IN AN INSANE ASYLUM AND VOWS REVENGE. FIVE YEARS PASS AND TED IS RELEASED FROM THE ASYLUM. ONE OF THE SURVIVERS RECIEVES A HUMAN ARM IN THE MAIL AND CALLS THE OTHER FOUR TO GET TOGETHER FOR A MEETING. SINCE THEY ARE ALL SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMEN (DOCTOR, POLICE DETECTIVE, TV WRITER, ARCHITECT, RADIO DISC JOCKEY) AND THEY DO NOT WANT THE TRUTH TO COME OUT, THEY DECIDE TO HUNT DOWN TED AND PUT HIM BACK IN THE ASYLUM. TED HAS OTHER PLANS. THE DOCTOR IS HIS FIRST VICTIM, HIS ARM IS CUT OFF WITH AN AXE. THE D.J. IS NEXT. HE HAS HIS ARM HACKED OFF WHILE HE IS LIVE ON THE AIR. THE ARCHITECT GETS HIS ARM CUT OFF WHILE IN AN ELEVATOR. THE REMAINING TWO ENLIST THE HELP OF TED'S DAUGHTER TO HELP THEM CAPTURE TED. SHE HAS A MEETING WITH HER FATHER AT THE BEACH, SO THE TWO DECIDE TO LAY A TRAP, BUT JUST WHO IS LAYING THE TRAP? THE TRAP BACKFIRES AND THE DETECTIVE HAS HIS ARM RIPPED OFF (HE IS TOSSED OFF A CLIFF WITH A ROPE ATTACHED TO HIS ARM; THIS SCENE IS EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE). IN THE END, IT TURNS OUT THAT TED'S DAUGHTER AND SON ARE THE REAL KILLERS. THEY ARE AVENGING THEIR FATHER WHO IS NOW A VEGETABLE IN A WHEELCHAIR. THEY LOCK UP THE TV WRITER IN A PADDED ROOM WITH NOTHING BUT A SHARP KNIFE, TELLING HIM THAT WHEN HE GET'S HUNGRY ENOUGH, HE WILL CUT OFF HIS OWN ARM FOR NOURISHMENT. THE CHILDREN GLEEFULLY SHOW THEIR FATHER WHAT THEY HAVE DONE, BUT HE JUST STARES BLANKLY INTO SPACE, NOT ABLE TO RELISH THE RETRIBUTION HE SO STRONGLY DESIRED TO PERFORM." THE END. Tomorrow will be a writeup of the cast and crew of THE SEVERED ARM. I hope everyone has a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

THE SEVERED ARM (1973) Memories!

One movie that I fondly remember fron my teens is THE SEVERED ARM (1973). I first experienced this movie on the old KMUV Channel 31 (now CW 31 KMAX) Sacramento which was then an Independent TV Station specializing in ALL MOVIES. Kind of like what AMC is today. KMUV signed on the air on October 5, 1974 and was ALL MOVIES until May 1, 1976 when they switched to SPANISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMMING.The schedule was like this, they showed 3 movies 3 times a day (Horror/Sci Fi 7:30AM/5:30PM/11:30PM, Comedy/Musical/Dramas 9:AM/1:PM/7:PM, Action/Westerns 11:AM/3:PM/9:PM as well as Old Time Serials called SOLID GOLD HEROES 7:AM/5:PM/11:PM). Anyway, My first viewing Of THE SEVERED ARM was on KMUV Channel 31 on February 7, 1975. I later saw it on Bob Wilkins CREATURE FEATURES on KTVU Channel 2. It really impressed me. Amazing that it was shown on Movie Theatres in 1973, but went directly to TV 2 years later. This movie definately deserves a Remastered Special Edition DVD WITH EXTRAS!!! (Hint, Hint, Hint: Anchor Bay or Dark Sky or Synapse?) The next 3 posts will be DEADICATED to THE SEVERED ARM. Part 1 will be the synopsis (storyline), Part 2 will be on its cast and Part 3 will be on its checkered VHS and DVD releases. Hope you enjoy it!!!

October 28,1967 Schedule "The Eye Creatures" 11:45PM

Well after showing such classics as HOMICIDAL, THE OLD DARK HOUSE and THE HOUSE OF WAX, Thanksgiving seems to have come to Bob's KCRA Channel 3 show with this TURKEY!: THE EYE CREATURES (1965) starring John Ashley. Part of a series of color remakes of old AIP Films, directed by Larry Buchanan, intended for television broadcast. This is a remake of the MUCH MORE SUPERIOR AIP Classic: INVASION OF THE SAUCER MEN. It is amazing that this piece of cr*p is available on DVD, while the original lingers away in the studio vault. A crying shame in my opinion!

October 21, 1967 Schedule: "House Of Wax" 11:45PM

Bob showed a classic tonight, Warner Bros. HOUSE OF WAX which starred Vincent Price, Phyllis Craig and Charles Bronson in one of his first roles. When it was released in the movie theaters, it was in 3-D. This is a remake of the Lionel Atwill chiller MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM and itself was remade in 2005 in a very dreaful movie. The first 2 films (1933 and 1953) were released together on DVD. This is the movie that started Vincent Price's long stretch of Horror Movies.

Happy 125TH Birthday Bela Lugosi!

I just want to mention that today is Bela Lugosi's Birthday and he would have been 125.

October 14, 1967 Schedule: "The Old Dark House" (1963) 11:30PM

Bob Wilkins showed THE OLD DARK HOUSE, a remake of the old Universal Classic from 1932 starring Boris Karloff. Unlike the original, this is more of a mystery/comedy. It is directed by the master of movie gimmicks, William Castle and was a co-production between Hammer Films and Columbia Pictures and was released at theaters on Halloween of 1963. "An american who sells cars in England recieves a mysterious invitation from an old excentric millionare to visit his house in which he lives with his twin brother and other unusual occupants". This film stars Tom Poston and Robert Morley. Though not as good as the original, it is still a pretty decent film. Ironically, while this movie was filmed in and released in color, initially it was shown on television in Black And White for many years. In fact, it is the Black And White version that was shown on Bob's Seven Arts Theatre that night.

October 7, 1967 Schedule: "Homicidal" (1961) 11:45PM

"A WORD OF WARNING!!! PLEASE DO NOT REVEAL THE ENDING OF THIS PICTURE OR YOUR FRIENDS WILL KILL YOU- IF THEY DON'T, I WILL!!!-William Castle". The story centers around a murderous scheme to collect a rich inheritence. The object of muder is Miriam Webster. Wow! Another quality movie shown on Bob Wilkins KCRA show. This time, a William Castle gimmick film. When shown at a movie theatre, It was released with a "FRIGHT BREAK" that allowed patrons to recieve a refund if they were too scared to stay for the climax of the film. This "FRIGHT BREAK" is included on the DVD.

CAPTAIN COSMIC AND 2T2 DVD Review

This is a review of the new CAPTAIN COSMIC & 2T2 DVD now on sale from Scott Moon and Tom Wrysch of http://www.bobwilkins.net/ . This is another quality DVD-R effort by Tom Wrysch who now has access to what I call The Bob Wilkins Archives! Tom has produced many quality DVD-R's of both Bob Wilkins and John Stanley. I have done reviews on the other DVD's. Featured on the new CAPTAIN COSMIC DVD: 1.) Interview with Nichelle Nichols from 11/16/79. She talks about her role in both the tv series as well as the new upcoming STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE (1979). 2.) Interview with Walter Koenig from 11/17/79. He talks about his role in both the tv series and in the new Star Trek movie also. 3.) Interview with Mr. Darth Vader himself, David Prowse from 7/21/78. He talks about being Dart Vader in STAR WARS (1977) as well as his other movie roles he has done. Next up, there are 2 COMPLETE CAPTAIN COSMIC SHOWS. The first one is from 10/23/79. It is a Halloween themed show and his guests are children from THORNHILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Oakland wearing Halloween Costumes provided by WOOLWORTH'S (Remember Them?). The children are David Stone (as Superman), Paige Paine (as Little House On The Praire's Mary Ingells), Annie Festler (as Darth Vader), Laura Hyde (as C3PO), Tracy Cummings (as Wonder Woman) and a Nancy McGunchy (as Little Orphan Annie). Actually Nancy McGunchy is Bob Wilkins daughter, Nancy Beth under an assumed name. Nancy has appeared on many of Bob's shows as well as his son, Robby. In fact, Bob, or I mean Captain Cosmic asked Nancy to say Hi to her brother, Robby McGunchy. Obviously an Inside Joke. A complete FLASH GORDON CONQUERS THE UNIVERSE CHAPTER 7 is included with this show. The other one is the FINAL CAPTAIN COSMIC SHOW from 1/18/80. During the show, Captain Cosmic is given a message from the Planet Cosmos ( I think it is Bob Shaw as the cloaked Messanger?). Captain Cosmic's final guest is a local bay area magicion, THE GREAT ORLANDO. A complete FLASH GORDON CONQUERS THE UNIVERSE CHAPTER 12 is included with this show. Finally the extras are a treat. Though they are both silent, we are still lucky the footage is still around! First there is footage of Bob as Captain Cosmic racing a BART Train at a BART Station. Lots of different angles including a closeup. Then there is footage of the 2T2 Robot getting a fresh coat of paint at BEST AUTO PAINT prior to his debut in 1977 as well as being loaded in the back of a truck and being driven to KTVU Channel 2. Then there is a Bob Shaw interview with Bob Wilkins from February of 1997 discussing the Captain Cosmic Show, which is actually a fragment of a much longer interview which is available in the highly recommended "THE BOB WILKINS 3 DVD SET" from Tom Wrysch for $35. Back to the CAPTAIN COSMIC DVD, it is another high quality effort from Tom Wrysch. It is also excellent that he was able produce 2 complete shows to relive the good old days from the 1970's and reflects the way the show looked on TV. I do have to mention though that on these 2 complete shows, that he actually showed showed something different and not those FLASH GORDON serials included. The 10/23/79 show had a Japanese Anime type of show called STARBLAZERS (1979) while the 1/18/80 show originally had the british kids show, CAPTAIN SCARLET AND THE MYSTERIONS (1967). Yes, Captain Cosmic did show FLASH GORDON serials but on different Captain Cosmic shows as well as ULTRAMAN and a few Japanese GODZILLA movies broken up in 5 segments. The main reason probably had to do with the fact that FLASH GORDON serials are in the public domain and it would probably cost an arm and a leg to acquire the rights to both STARBLAZERS and CAPTAIN SCARLET. This DVD is worth every cent plus you get an exact replica of the Captain Cosmic membership card with a Secret Crypto-Code on the back. Thanks Tom for a high quality DVD. I am waiting for your next BOB WILKINS DVD you'll produce! The CAPTAIN COSMIC DVD is $15 which includes shipping. Contact Tom at his email address tpw1705@aol.com

September 30, 1967 Schedule: "The Man They Could Not Hang" (1939) 11:45PM

Bob Wilkins showed a Boris Karloff classicfrom the golden years though not from Universal but rather Columbia Pictures. Boris Karloff plays a doctor obsessed with bringing back the dead to life. He is arrested, convicted and sentenced to hang. He vows revenge on the judge, jury and the D.A. An assistant takes claim to the body and brings him back to life. Now he will seek revenge! A very good crime oriented horror film.

September 23, 1967 Schedule: "Rocket To The Moon" 11:30PM

Bob Wilkins presented a first run surprisingly. ROCKET TO THE MOON (1967) starring Burl Ives and Troy Donahue and directed by Don sharp (Kiss Of The Vampire) is a sci fi comedy about Phineas T. Barnum and friends finance a trip to the moon but the plan is doomed because of money problems and spies. According to IMDB (which isn't 100% accurate) this movie was released on June 21, 1967. It was probably released direct to TV.

September 16, 1967 Schedule: "Atragon" 11:30PM

Bob Wilkins presented the Toho/AIP Sci Si movie ATRAGRON (1963). Atragon is the name of a japanese sub battling aliens. Media Blasters released an excellent DVD in its OAR of 2.35:1

I'm Back From My Montana trip!

Well I am back from my Montana trip. I had a lot of fun. Still a bit tired. I went from Pacific Time to Mountain Time to back to Pacific Time. I hope to get back in the groove of things. I need to update this blog. I still need to add Bob Wilkins KCRA program Schedules of September 16 and 23, 1967 as well as a review of the new Captain Cosmic DVD. LATER!!!!!

A Brief Hiatus From This Blog!

I will be taking a hiatus from my blog. I am taking a long deserved trip to Montana. When I return next week, I will post both the September 16 and September 23 KCRA program schedules. You can probably see the tired look on my face at work baking all day long. This is definately a long deserved vacation! I also will be doing a review of the new Captain Cosmic DVD I recently recieved from Scott Moon and Tom Wrysch of http://www.bobwilkins.net/ See everyone next week!

Bava-licious

It has just been a week of Mario Bava heaven. Last week, I got my Mario Bava Book from Tim Lucas, and now I hear another box set of Mario Bava films are on their way (October 23) from Anchor Bay Entertainment/Starz Home Entertainment. The movies in the collection include "Lisa And The Devil" and its reedited abomination (in my opinion), "House Of Exorcism", "Bay Of Blood", "Baron Blood", "Kidnapped", "Roy Colt and Winchester Jack", "Five Dolls For An August Moon" and "Four Times That Night". Despite being advertised as "8 Films By Mario Bava", There are actually 9 as they have also included "Rabid Dogs", The Bava film that was reedited into "Kidnapped". I highly recommend everyone buy this box set. It will retail at $49.98, but can be bought cheaper at various sources like Amazon. As for that wonderful Bava Book, it took me almost 4 hours to just scan through the whole book, and I didn't even read it, just looked at the photos! Wow! Wonderful Job Tim!

Bob Wilkins First Full Year At KCRA

Well, I have listed Bob Wilkins first year of program schedules at KCRA Channel 3. His first show was on September 10, 1966 with the double feature of "Attack Of The Mushroom People" and "Attack Of The Giant Leeches". Seven Arts Theatre, as it was called, had many highs (Curse Of The Demon, The Tingler, Black Sabbath) to even more lows (The Killer Shrews, The Screaming Skull, Viking Woman and The Sea Serpent, Monster From The Surf, The Atomic Man). And there are many more years to go. I plan to eventually add Bob's KTVU's Creature Features schedules as well as his KTXL TV 40 ones. As you can tell, I am trying to keep improving this blog. I plan to continue to report on related material like Cult/Horror/SciFi Movies, DVD's Books and more.

September 9, 1967 Schedule: "Black Sabbath" (1964) 11:15PM

Wow Lots and Lots of Mario Bava here on my Bob Wilkins Blog. Last week, it was "Black Sunday" and now it is my personal favorite "Black Sabbath" (1963). This was Bob's second showing of this classic. He first showed it on KCRA Channel 3 on February 25, 1967. The first time I watched Black Sabbath was on Bob's KTXL TV 40 Saturday Night Show. In fact this was my first Mario Bava film that I ever watched and it is still my all time favorite ( Black Sunday being my second favorite Bava Movie). Boris Karloff really spooked me in that episode of "The Wurdulak". I might be wrong, but I think this was Boris Karloff's only vampire movie? (correct me if I am wrong?) In 2000, Image Entertainment released it in the Italian Version, which had the segments in different order (Italian Version: 1: The Telephone, 2: The Wurdulak, 3: The Drop Of Water. AIP English Dubbed Version: 1: The Drop Of Water, 2: The Telephone, 3: The Wurdulak). Personally I like the Boris Karloff episode ending the movie. Also AIP altered The Telephone episode by eliminating the lesbian subplot and removing scenes and changing the dialogue. Also in the Italian Version was an ingenious comic coda at the end. AIP also dropped Roberto Nicolosi's effective music score with that of Les Baxter. This movie has had several video releases. The AIP version was released on VHS by both "Thorn-EMI HBO as well as United Home Video ( A subsidiary of VCI). Image Entertainment also released the Thorn-EMI HBO Version on Laserdisc with another AIP chiller "Queen Of Blood". On DVD, only the Italian Version was released legit, first in 2000 by Image Entertainment and in 2007 by Anchor Bay Entertainment. I personally prefer the Anchor Bay version as the color is brighter and there are more extras including a Tim Lucas Audio Commentary. Originally, it was announced that the AIP English Dub was also included but was not. Too bad, as you miss Boris Karloff's wonderful voice. I have a grey market bootleg with liner notes by Blackbeard :-) The cover is interesting, It has the cover of the AIP poster with a headless horseman holding a head, and it slightly mimics the Image DVD cover. On both it says "The Mario Bava Collection" while on the bottom of the Image cover says "Widescreen European Version" while the bootleg says "Fullscreen American Version". This bootleg was derived from the Image/HBO Laserdisc. The information in the back says this: "BLACK SABBATH 000004DVD, Program Content: probably copyright 2003 MGM, Liner Notes: copyright Blackbeard, DVD Package Design: originally copyrighted MM Image(modified copyright MMIII), DVD-R format, Thanks to Image, Orion, & HBO for the original LD." Interesting to say the least. In my opinion, the picture quality is great for a bootleg. At least they dubbed it from a Laserdisc rather than VHS, so you wouldn't have the tracking lines. Let's hope that MGM or some other company will release a legit widescreen version of the AIP cut! Between this as well as Tim Lucas wonderful book, MARIO BAVA ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK, it is a lot of Bava. Also, I made some changes to my blog. I now list the title of the movie as well as its starting time at the very top. Easier for researchers in my opinion. This has been Bob Wilkins full year at KCRA Channel 3. His first show was on KCRA on September 10, 1966. Ialso need to acknowlege Tim Lucas as I reference the Black sabbath info from the Image DVD liner notes. Tim is the leading Mario Bava Expert!

Such A Beauty Of A Book!

Well, I just got my Bava Book today. If you ask me, what Bava Book? I would tell you, the new one written by Tim Lucas, who publishes "Video Watchdog" Magazine, which I highly recommend. Back to the book, it is titled "Mario Bava All The Colors Of The Dark". It is Hardcover, Clothbound, Gold Stamping On Front And Spine, 1128 Glossy Full Color Pages and it weighs an incredible 12 POUNDS!! It is well worth buying! I preordered it at $130, but it now cost $260, but again despite the higher price, it is still worth buying!!! If you were a fan of such Mario Bava movies like "Black Sunday", Black Sabbath" and "The Evil Eye", that were shown on Bob Wilkins Saturday Night Horror Show on KCRA Channel 3 (and later on KTVU 2 and KTXL 40) Sacramento, then you will love this book. Order it from http://videowatchdog.com/bava/ . Also check out Tim's Mario Bava blog at http://bavabook.blogspot.com/

September 2, 1967 Schedule

On KCRA Channel 3 at 11:15PM, Bob Wilkins repeated the Mario Bava Classic "Black Sunday" (1960). Bob had shown it on October 29, 1966. This is an excellent movie and worth owning on DVD. It was recently released on DVD by Anchor Bay/Starz Home Entertainment as part of their excellent, "Mario Bava Collection Volume 1". It is almost identical to the Image Entertainment release of 1999 including an excellent audio commentary by Mario Bava expert, Tim Lucas. Personally I think both the picture and audio are superior on the Anchor Bay release. This is actually the English Dubbed International release and not the English Dubbed AIP release that was shown on Bob Wilkins Show.