January 27, 1968 schedule: "Beast From 20000 Fathoms" 11:45PM

On this evening, Bob Wilkins shows the Ray Harryhausen Classic, BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS that was shown before on March 25, 1967. This movie is available on DVD from WARNER HOME VIDEO. A must buy!!!!

January 20, 1968 Schedule: "Carnival Of Souls" 11:30PM

Bob Wilkins shows the classic, CARNIVAL OF SOULS on this evening. It was shown previously on July 22, 1967. As this that post, I highly recommend everyone to buy the CRITERION COLLECTION DVD and not the numerous P.D. versions floating out there though I heard good things about the LEGEND FILMS DVD version which has both a Colorized Version and a Restored Black And White Version! I still hate colorized movies!

Horror Hostess, VAMPIRA, passes away at 86 years old

Legendary Horror Tv Hostess VAMPIRA (Maila Nurmi) has passed away at the age of 86. In addition to her show on KABC-7 Los Angeles from 1954-55, she also was in movies like the Camp Classic and Golden Turkey itself, PLAN NINE FROM OUTER SPACE as well as in THE MAGIC SWORD.

January 13, 1968 Schedule: "The Mad Executioners" 12:15AM

On this evening, Bob Wilkins shows a West German produced KRIMI (Horror-Crime) made in 1963 which was based on a story by Edgar Wallace dealing with a mad scientist beheading his victims then trying to keep their heads alive. Also known as DER HENKER VON LONDON.

TRASH FILM ORGY at the CREST THEATRE: "Monster From Bikini Beach".

On Friday, January 11 in Sacramento, California is the Annual TRASH FILM ORGY at the Historic Crest Theatre. The movie being shown is MONSTER FROM BIKINI BEACH which was filmed entirely in the river city of Sacramento. This movie is inspired by those wild 50's monster flicks/70's Drive-In Indie Features that was later shown on Bob Wilkins shows on KCRA, KTVU and KTXL. The movie features tons of bikini-clad go-go babes and one ravenous monster rising from the murky depths to go on a bloody rampage. I wish I can go, but will be too busy. Doors open at 9:30PM for the 10:PM show. Tickets on sale at http://www.tickets.com/ ,the CREST THEATRE BOX OFFICE, or call 1-800-225-2277. Also visit their site at http://www.trashfilmorgy.com/ or check out their My Space at www.myspace.com/monsterfrombikinibeach

A New Year

2007 has been an amazing year for me as well as this blog. 2007 was also the year that I finally met my childhood idol, BOB WILKINS himself, unfortunately on his final public appearance due to Alzheimers. Back to my blog, I must apologize for being late on certain posts. With the holidays and a very busy work schedule, that is the reason. As for 2008, on the program schedules that I post (right now of KCRA only), We are now into 1968. A very interesting year for Bob at KCRA that i will post later. Also locally, I survived the big storm of the New Year last Friday, January 4. Stockton had Lots of rain and wind gusts that were close to 60 MPH. My Apartment survived as well as my storage unit with no damage. No power outages at my place either. (My sister in nearby Lockeford wasn't so lucky.) Here is wishing everyone a great 2008!!!

January 6, 1968 schedule: "A Bucket Of Blood" Midnight

Well it is a new year, 2008...errr...I mean 1968 when it comes to Bob Wilkins Seven Arts Theatre On KCRA Channel 3. This time, he shows the Roger Corman Black Comedy Classic, A BUCKET OF BLOOD starring Dick Miller. Speaking of 3 (not KCRA), this is Bob's third time showing this movie. He showed it on October 1, 1966 and then on July 29, 1967. Well just a little more than 5 months, Bob shows it again. This fine movie is in the public domain and is available on different DVD labels, but the best is the MGM HOME ENTERTAINMENT version. Now this particular evening of Saturday Night of January 6, 1968 was a special night for monster fiends, oh I mean fans because KCRA Channel 3 had an evening of fright. At 7:PM, KCRA showed DESTINATION INNER SPACE and at 9:PM as part of NBC's SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES, showed the Alfred Hitchcock classic, THE BIRDS. (There was an episode of GET SMART sandwiched between the two)

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<>