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.