Author Archives: Marty Melville

Bram Stoker gets the Ken Russell treatment in this arch, over the top but still creepily grotesque chiller, one of Hugh Grant’s early starring roles. Some of the ripely hysterical anti-clerical imagery seems to have been gleaned from the cutting room floor of The Devils. Has attained camp classic status over the years despite being generally undervalued at the time of release. The best quality trailer we could find has Asian subtitles.  NSFW.

Brian Trenchard-Smith created this trailer for an Aussie supernatural thriller that never made it to American theaters. Director David Hemmings (star of Blow-Up) was determined to class up what was initially intended as a lowly horror movie, and rewrites of David Ambrose’s script continued throughout production. Actor’s Equity frowned on so many overseas cast members and refused to allow Susan George and Samatha Eggar to perform. Thom Eberhardt’s 1983 Sole Survivor uses the same premise to a degree that it should almost be considered a remake, although there’s no official connection.

RKO’s biggest budget film to date remains one of the finest literary adaptations ever, and is arguably Charles Laughton’s greatest screen role. His protege Maureen O’Hara never looked more stunning as the gypsy girl. Among the actors considered for Quasimodo were Orson Welles, Bela Lugosi, Claude Rains, Robert Morley and Lon Chaney Jr., whose father made an indelible impression in the earlier silent version. Cedric Hardwicke is creepy in the villain role intended for Basil Rathbone, and Edmond O’Brien is almost unrecognizably young and svelte in his first movie. This was the only picture shown at the first Cannes Film Festival, which was canceled when Hitler invaded Poland.

Henry Fielding’s 1749 novel zoomed to the best seller lists after the success of this well-received multi-Oscar winner (best picture, director, screenplay and music score), attractively shot on location utilizing the residents of Cerne Abbas, a small village in Dorchester. Albert Finney and Joyce Redman’s elaborately erotic chow-down scene is right up there with Marco Ferreri’s La Grande Bouffe. Screen debuts of David Warner and Lynn Redgrave.

The brilliant J. Hoberman takes on The Movie Orgy in the latest issue Film Comment. It may be the final word on the subject, a great read that tackles as many pop cultural touchstones as The Movie Orgy itself.

And those lucky ducks in Seattle can immerse themselves directly in Joe Dante and Jon Davison’s headspinningly hilarious mega-mash-up when the Grand Illusion Theater presents The Movie Orgy this coming Saturday.

Check out Film Comment here and the Grand Illusion schedule here.

In celebration of our 700th trailer, we’ve asked Roger Corman, Jonathan Kaplan and Brian Trenchard-Smith to share their thoughts on some of their own movies. Wrapping up the week is Brian who lends some typically astute commentary on his 1982 cult classic, Stunt Rock.

And make sure to check out our YouTube channel and this playlist featuring a selection of Brian’s other commentaries!

Who better to front Trailers from Hell’s 700th trailer than industry legend Roger Corman? Here’s a selection of Roger’s other commentaries along with some of our gurus paying homage to Roger’s own films.

The Roger Corman Playlist

This week, in celebration of our 700th trailer, we’ve asked Roger Corman, Jonathan Kaplan and Brian Trenchard-Smith to share their thoughts on some of their own movies. First up to bat is Jonathan who lends some unique insight to his 1975 exploitation classic, White Line Fever.

But wait, there’s more! Be sure to check out our YouTube channel and this playlist featuring a selection of Jonathan’s other commentaries along with some of our other gurus chiming in on some of Jonathan’s own films.

Check out a seductive mix of trailers featuring some of the formidably frightening females of Trailers From Hell!

Read More… Fatal Females! This Week’s Featured Playlist on YouTube