THE STEPFORD WIVES (1975): FEMINISM, FEAR, AND THE HORROR OF PERFECTION!!

THE STEPFORD WIVES (1975) d. Bryan Forbes (USA)
REVENGE OF THE STEPFORD WIVES (1980) d. Robert Fuest (USA)
THE STEPFORD CHILDREN (1987) d. Alan J. Levi (USA)
THE STEPFORD HUSBANDS (1996) d. Fred Walton (USA)
THE STEPFORD WIVES (2004) d. Frank Oz (USA)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Sexy and funny, inflammatory and spooky, director Bryan Forbes and screenwriter William Goldman’s adaptation of Ira Levin’s bestseller The Stepford Wives is that rare animal: a socially relevant yet thoroughly entertaining sci-fi/horror thriller. Frustrated NYC photographer Joanna (Katharine Ross) moves with her family to the idyllic Connecticut suburb of Stepford. Before long, the liberated lass observes that the local female population is a submissive, domestic lot, unnaturally preoccupied with fulfilling their husbands’ every passing desire. 

DARIO ARGENTO'S DEEP RED (1975): MURDER, MUSIC, MADNESS, AND MIRRORS!!

DEEP RED (aka PROFONDO ROSSO) (1975) d. Dario Argento (Italy)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE VIDEO**

David Hemmings plays a English jazz pianist in Italy, who after a late-night set, witnesses a brutal murder and feels compelled to unravel the mystery. Considered by many to be the apex of the giallo subgenre, this is Argento in his 1970s prime, with dazzling, dizzying camerawork capturing beautifully violent - if occasionally nonsensical - set-pieces, all couched within the driving rhythms of prog-rock band Goblin (their first of numerous sonic collaborations).

THE DESCENT (2005) AT 20 - CLAUSTROPHOBIC HORROR AT ITS FINEST!!

THE DESCENT (2005) d. Neil Marshall (UK)
THE DESCENT PART 2 (2009) d. Jon Harris (UK)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

After a tragic accident, six friends (Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid, Saskia Mulder, MyAnna Buring, and Nora-Jane Noone) reunite for a caving expedition. Their adventure soon goes horribly wrong when a collapse traps them deep underground and they find themselves pursued by bloodthirsty subterranean creatures.

MARIO BAVA'S PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES - ZOMBIES IN SPACE!! (1965)

PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES (1965) d. Mario Bava (Italy/Spain)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

A forgotten classic that blends the cosmic terror of space exploration with the eerie atmosphere of a Gothic haunted house, Mario Bava’s groundbreaking 1965 sci-fi/horror effort Planet of the Vampires presents a visually striking and deeply unsettling narrative whose influence reverberates throughout the genre, notably 1979’s smash Alien.

GINGER SNAPS (2000): A WEREWOLF RECIPE WITH FRESH BLOOD!!

GINGER SNAPS (2000) d. John Fawcett (Canada)
GINGER SNAPS 2: UNLEASHED (2004) d. Brett Sullivan (Canada)
GINGER SNAPS BACK: THE BEGINNING (2004) d. Grant Harvey (Canada)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Ginger Snaps, directed by John Fawcett and written by Karen Walton, is a unique and unforgettable Canadian werewolf feature that blends horror, coming-of-age themes, and dark humor, with a focus on the terrifying experience of transformation. The story follows two outsider sisters, Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) and Brigitte (Emily Perkins), whose lives take a horrific turn when Ginger is bitten by a vicious nocturnal beast. As Ginger's transformation begins, Brigitte must struggle to save her sister while also battling her own impending fate. (FULL BLU-RAY REVIEW HERE)

STEPHEN KING'S MISERY (1990) AT 35 - STORIES & SLEDGEHAMMERS!!

MISERY (1990) d. Rob Reiner (USA)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Rob Reiner's 1990 psychological thriller Misery, based on Stephen King's bestselling novel, remains a masterclass in tension and suspense. Tonight, our panel of horror enthusiasts celebrates the unforgettable performances (James Caan, Kathy Bates, Lauren Bacall, Frances Sternhagen, and Richard Farnsworth), the film's themes of obsession and captivity, and screenwriter William Goldman’s breathtaking adaptation which retains the spirit of the source material while also changing key elements for the screen.

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (1975) 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL!!

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (1975) d. Jim Sharman (UK/USA)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Join us for a special in-depth panel discussion celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, from its original 1973 stage production to its transformation into midnight movie cult sensation. Come for the magic, stay for the madness!

FINAL DESTINATION (2000) AT 25: SHOCKING SECRETS AND CREATIVE KILLS!!

FINAL DESTINATION (2000) d. James Wong (USA)
FINAL DESTINATION 2 (2003) d. David R. Ellis (USA)
FINAL DESTINATION 3 (2006) d. James Wong (USA)
THE FINAL DESTINATION (2009) d. David R. Ellis (USA)
FINAL DESTINATION 5 (2011) d. Steven Quale (USA)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Created by Jeffrey Reddick, the Final Destination franchise (CAPSULE REVIEWS OF ALL THE FILMS HERE) introduced a unique concept: Death as an unstoppable force that relentlessly hunts down survivors who cheat its grasp. Tonight, AC and the gang explore the fascinating origins of this chilling idea and how it became the backbone of the series, fueling the horrifying and creative death sequences that have captivated audiences for 25 years.

THE BEST (AND WORST) SLASHERS OF 1980!!!

TITLES DISCUSSED: Friday the 13th, To All a Good Night, Terror on Tour, Don't Answer the Phone, Don't Go in the House, Prom Night, Terror Train, He Knows You're Alone, Mother's Day, Funeral Home, Christmas Evil, New Year's Evil

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

The 1980s were a pivotal year for horror films, and the decade kicked off with some of the most influential entries in the genre! Join our panel of horror experts (Fraser Coffeen, Art Ettinger, Amanda Reyes, Adam Rockoff, Freddy Young) as we discuss the origins, lasting impact, and evolution of the slasher, covering everything from the technical aspects to their cultural significance, changing the landscape of cinema forever.

TREMORS (1990): THE ULTIMATE MONSTER MOVIE FRANCHISE?

TREMORS (1990) d. Ron Underwood (USA)
TREMORS 2: AFTERSHOCKS (1996) d. S.S. Wilson (USA)
TREMORS 3: BACK TO PERFECTION (2001) d. Brent Maddock (USA)
TREMORS 4: THE LEGEND BEGINS (2004) d. S.S. Wilson (USA)
TREMORS 5: BLOODLINES (2015) d. Don Michael Paul (USA)
TREMORS: A COLD DAY IN HELL (2018) d. Don Michael Paul (USA)
TREMORS: SHRIEKER ISLAND (2020) d. Don Michael Paul (USA)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

AC and his Graboid-loving panel of guests (Mark Easteadt, Eric Fritzius, Christopher Hainsworth, Daniel Millhouse) burrow deep below the surface of the 1990 cult classic Tremors, celebrating its 35th anniversary!

HITCHCOCK’S PSYCHO LEGACY: FROM SHOWER SCENE TO BATES MOTEL

PSYCHO (1960) d. Alfred Hitchcock (USA)
PSYCHO II (1983) d. Richard Franklin (USA)
PSYCHO III (1986) d. Anthony Perkins (USA)
PSYCHO IV: THE BEGINNING (1990) d. Mick Garris (USA)
PSYCHO (1998) d. Gus Van Sant (USA)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is not just a film; it’s an institution in the world of cinema, one that redefined the horror genre forever. Based on Robert Bloch’s 1959 novel, audiences were introduced to Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), a seemingly mild-mannered motel owner with a dark and twisted secret. The film's groundbreaking narrative, shocking twists, and chilling atmosphere have influenced filmmakers for decades.

VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED (1960): ENTER IF YOU DARE!!

VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED (1960) d. Wolf Rilla (UK)
CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED (1964) d. Anton Leader (UK)
VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED (1995) d. John Carpenter (USA)
THE MIDWICH CUCKOOS (2022) d. David Farr (UK)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Get ready for a spine-chilling journey into Midwich, England, aka the VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED (1960) as we break down this brilliant sci-fi/horror classic’s eerie legacy. Based on John Wyndham’s 1957 source novel, The Midwich Cuckoos, and directed by stalwart Wolf Rilla who shared credit for the screenplay with Stirling Silliphant, future Oscar-winner for In the Heat of the Night (1967) and the TV series Route 66.

GAMERA AT 60: FLYING, FIGHTING, SONGS, & SMASHES!!

GAMERA: THE GIANT MONSTER (1965) d. Noriaki Yuasa (Japan)
GAMERA: GUARDIAN OF THE UNIVERSE (1995) d. Shusuke Kaneko (Japan)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE VIDEO**

Japan’s second-most iconic kaiju (aka the Other Big G), Gamera evolved from a destructive force to a heroic protector of humanity. The early Showa era films (1965-1980) established Gamera, a giant, turtle-like creature, as a friendly figure for youngsters while also showcasing him battling various monstrous threats. Often lighthearted and less serious than their Godzilla counterparts, Gamera’s reputation as the “friend to all children” made him a beloved character around the world.

SnS ep 8: BEST/FAVORITE HORROR FILMS OF 2024!!

AC joins his Streaming and Screaming co-hosts Chad the Bird and Lucy Ba'al as they count down their favorite fright flicks of 2024!

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Let us know YOUR favorite picks from 2024 in the comments! Looking forward to another year of Sharing the Scare!

TITLES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Longlegs, Suitable Flesh, Exhuma, Broadcast Signal Intrusion, The Demon Disorder, Infested, Oddity, Terrifier 3, Immaculate, Nosferatu, Satanic Hispanics, The Substance, Smile 2, The Coffee Table, Crumb Catcher, The First Omen, In a Violent Nature, Cuckoo, Baghead, Abigail, Azrael, Daddy's Head, Strange Darling, Mads, Trap, Mr. Crockett, Frankie Freako, Sator, Alien: Romulus, Prey, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, The Devil's Bath, Godzilla X Kong, Humane, I Saw the TV Glow, Late Night with the Devil, Things Will Be Different, MaXXXine, Never Let Go, Night Swim, V/H/S/Beyond, Starve Acre, The Vourdalak, Stopmotion, and many more!

LES DIABOLIQUES (1955) & H.G. CLOUZOUT: THE FRENCH HITCHCOCK

LES DIABOLIQUES (1955) d. Henri-Georges Clouzout (France)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Slip into the dark and suspenseful world of “The French Hitchcock,” Henri-Georges Clouzot (The Wages of Fear), and his extraordinary nonpareil of suspense, 1955’s Les Diaboliques, where nothing is as it seems and every twist keeps you on the edge of your seat. Set in and around a remote boarding school, a frail wife (Vera Clouzout) and her romantic rival (Simone Signoret) plot to murder her cruel, abusive husband (Paul Meurisse). But when things do not go as planned, the two women are thrust into a terrifying psychological nightmare where nothing is what it seems.

Civilian 2024 Wrap-Up and Year-End Stats!

And we’re back!

Having addressed the horror genre in the previous entry (hey, this is HORROR 101 after all), it’s now time to give the Civilian flicks a moment in the sun.

FOR PREVIOUS YEARS' RECAPS, CLICK HERE

Since my attentions remained focused primarily on the H101 YouTube channel throughout the year (did I mention that I added two other shows in addition to the weekly Friday Night Frights?), that didn’t leave a ton of extra time. So, I watched my SAG-nominated films, enjoyed some random comfort food entries, and tried to stay abreast of the biggest and the brightest, but with only 65 non-horror titles, I can’t say I’m all that well-informed outside the genre for 2024's output.

That said, let’s get on with the business at hand! As always, all the non-horror titles listed below were encountered for the first time from January 1 to December 31, 2024 (i.e. no repeat viewings were eligible), and there is the usual (if diminished) collection of random trends that appeared organically or by design. Hope you enjoy the read.

Stay strong, stay safe, stay tuned!

HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP (1980) TURNS 45!!!

HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP (1980) d. Barbara Peeters (and others) (USA)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Noyo, a small coastal California town, is terrorized by a series of brutal attacks on its residents. These attacks are revealed to be the work of mutated, amphibious creatures—humanoid monsters created as a result of genetic experimentation. As the creatures hunt and kill, they also target the women of the town, leading to a violent clash between the humans and the mutated beings in a desperate fight for survival.

Dr. AC's 2024 Horror Wrap-Up Extravaganza!

Wow! What a year, what a year.

I confess, I lost some steam on the horror train a while back. Over the past couple years, however, I feel like I’m getting my mojo risin’ again, and I gotta say, it feels pretty good.

Starting up the H101 YouTube channel was equal parts blessing and curse, because it has forced me to stay in the game and literally be part of the conversation. We’re coming up on two full years of programming, which has kept me hopping, continually pushing myself to improve the tech side of things as well as managing the breakneck weekly schedule. So far, we’ve managed to keep things steady in terms of output and enthusiasm, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the new year has in store.

CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS YEARS' RECAPS  

But, before we do that, let’s take a quick glance in the rear view mirror and reflect on what 2024 brought and wrought.

THE GORE CLASSICS OF H.G. LEWIS (BLOOD FEAST, TWO THOUSAND MANIACS, COLOR ME BLOOD RED)

BLOOD FEAST (1963) d. Herschell Gordon Lewis (USA)
TWO THOUSAND MANIACS! (1964) d. Herschell Gordon Lewis (USA)
COLOR ME BLOOD RED (1965) d. Herschell Gordon Lewis (USA)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Herschell Gordon Lewis' "Blood Trilogy" — Blood Feast (1963), Two Thousand Maniacs! (1964), and Color Me Blood Red (1965) — revolutionized the horror genre by introducing explicit gore and shocking violence, laying the foundation for the splatter film subgenre. With their graphic depictions of mutilation and taboo subjects, these films were groundbreaking in their raw and unrestrained approach.

ONIBABA & KWAIDAN (1964): Celebrating Japan's CLASSIC Horror Cinema!!

ONIBABA (1964) d. Kaneto Shindo (Japan)
KWAIDAN (1964) d. Masaki Kobayashi (Japan)

**CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL YOUTUBE EPISODE**

Tonight, we discuss the 1964 Japanese horror classics Onibaba and Kwaidan, exploring their reflections of post-war Japanese society, folklore, and complex themes of fear and morality.