Maple Syrup Massacre is an editorial series where Joe Lipsett dissects the themes, conventions and contributions of new and classic Canadian horror films. Spoilers follow…
In the first two entries of this series – on Adam MacDonald’s Backcountry and Grant Harvey’s Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning – we spent a fair amount of time talking about the Canadian relationship to wilderness.
The outdoors – whether it be woods, open plains, mountain ranges, or desert valleys – has a mythic quality in Western and horror films. For Canadians, the wilderness is a massive part of our identity: the country has a relatively small population in a massive geographical region of 9M square kilometers.
For reference, that’s 3.9 people per square kilometer, compared to the US’s 35.3. So yeah, we’re a fairly small population in a giant geographical area.
In Australia, the vast majority of the population hugs the coast in order to...
In the first two entries of this series – on Adam MacDonald’s Backcountry and Grant Harvey’s Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning – we spent a fair amount of time talking about the Canadian relationship to wilderness.
The outdoors – whether it be woods, open plains, mountain ranges, or desert valleys – has a mythic quality in Western and horror films. For Canadians, the wilderness is a massive part of our identity: the country has a relatively small population in a massive geographical region of 9M square kilometers.
For reference, that’s 3.9 people per square kilometer, compared to the US’s 35.3. So yeah, we’re a fairly small population in a giant geographical area.
In Australia, the vast majority of the population hugs the coast in order to...
- 5/17/2023
- by Joe Lipsett
- bloody-disgusting.com
1974: The first Daytime Emmys ceremony was held in New York.
1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.
1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.
2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne Cooper tribute episode."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.
1970: On Dark Shadows, Maggie Collins was trying to preserve her marriage to Quentin (David Selby) unaware his first wife, Angelique, had...
1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.
1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.
2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne Cooper tribute episode."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.
1970: On Dark Shadows, Maggie Collins was trying to preserve her marriage to Quentin (David Selby) unaware his first wife, Angelique, had...
- 5/28/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1967: Dark Shadows' Jason asked patience from Willie.
1979: Guiding Light's Rita had a nightmare about Roger.
1985: As the World Turns' Bob and Kim were married.
1994: Another World's Carl planned on proposing to Rachel."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1967: On Dark Shadows, Jason McGuire (Dennis Patrick) implored Willie Loomis (John Karlen) to wait on getting revenge against Burke Devlin (Mitchell Ryan) until after they got their money.
1979: On Guiding Light, Rita Bauer (Lenore Kasdorf) had a nightmare about Roger Thorpe (Michael Zaslow...
1979: Guiding Light's Rita had a nightmare about Roger.
1985: As the World Turns' Bob and Kim were married.
1994: Another World's Carl planned on proposing to Rachel."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1967: On Dark Shadows, Jason McGuire (Dennis Patrick) implored Willie Loomis (John Karlen) to wait on getting revenge against Burke Devlin (Mitchell Ryan) until after they got their money.
1979: On Guiding Light, Rita Bauer (Lenore Kasdorf) had a nightmare about Roger Thorpe (Michael Zaslow...
- 4/12/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1968: Dark Shadows' Barnabas had a strong reaction to light.
1983: Guiding Light's Nola wanted things to be perfect with Quint.
1985: Another World's Sally and Catlin were married.
2004: Days of our Lives' Bonnie enjoyed a Blue County performance."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1955: On Hawkins Falls, Millie Flagle and Lona Corey dyed Easter eggs for a local egg hunt. While they were chatting, Millie sensed that something wonderful was going to happen in Hawkins Falls. Soon after, a man crashed his automobile into Millie's porch.
1983: Guiding Light's Nola wanted things to be perfect with Quint.
1985: Another World's Sally and Catlin were married.
2004: Days of our Lives' Bonnie enjoyed a Blue County performance."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1955: On Hawkins Falls, Millie Flagle and Lona Corey dyed Easter eggs for a local egg hunt. While they were chatting, Millie sensed that something wonderful was going to happen in Hawkins Falls. Soon after, a man crashed his automobile into Millie's porch.
- 4/9/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1968: NBC daytime soap Hidden Faces premiered.
1983: Guiding Light's Phillip and Beth spent New Year's Eve in New York.
2002: The "Surrender" arc began on Port Charles.
2003: One Life to Live's Dorian visited All My Children's Pine Valley."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1963: ABC shifted General Hospital to the 3 p.m. Et time slot after nearly 9 months of airing at 1 p.m.
1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) refused to give John Randolph (Michael M. Ryan) permission to access her medical records.
1983: Guiding Light's Phillip and Beth spent New Year's Eve in New York.
2002: The "Surrender" arc began on Port Charles.
2003: One Life to Live's Dorian visited All My Children's Pine Valley."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1963: ABC shifted General Hospital to the 3 p.m. Et time slot after nearly 9 months of airing at 1 p.m.
1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) refused to give John Randolph (Michael M. Ryan) permission to access her medical records.
- 1/2/2019
- by Kevin Mulcahy Jr.
- We Love Soaps
Jon Lindstrom, who plays Kevin and Ryan on General Hospital, is set to recur on the upcoming fifth season of Amazon drama series Bosch.
Based on Michael Connelly's best-selling novels, Bosch stars Titus Welliver as homicide Detective Harry Bosch. Lindstrom will play Lance Cronyn, a lawyer who goes toe-to-toe with Bosch (Titus Welliver).
Lindstrom's other television credits include As the World Turns, Port Charles, Santa Barbara, Rituals, S.W.A.T., NCIS and Blue Bloods. The busy actor also stars in the upcoming film The Great Illusion, with Selma Blair and Graham Greene.
Related:
- Interview: Jon Lindstrom Reveals What Happens Next
- Interview Archive: Jon Lindstrom Reveals His "High" Ride In Music and Soaps...
Based on Michael Connelly's best-selling novels, Bosch stars Titus Welliver as homicide Detective Harry Bosch. Lindstrom will play Lance Cronyn, a lawyer who goes toe-to-toe with Bosch (Titus Welliver).
Lindstrom's other television credits include As the World Turns, Port Charles, Santa Barbara, Rituals, S.W.A.T., NCIS and Blue Bloods. The busy actor also stars in the upcoming film The Great Illusion, with Selma Blair and Graham Greene.
Related:
- Interview: Jon Lindstrom Reveals What Happens Next
- Interview Archive: Jon Lindstrom Reveals His "High" Ride In Music and Soaps...
- 11/20/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Jorn Winther, a former soap opera executive producer and director, was killed November 9 in an automobile accident in front of Palm Desert High School outside Palm Springs. He was on a business trip and on his way back to his Sherman Oaks home, his wife of 31 years, Claire, told The Hollywood Reporter. He was 88.
In the 1960s, Winther directed for the ABC music showcase Shindig! and worked on variety shows hosted by Jonathan Winters, Sonny & Cher and Barbara McNair.
He later spent more than five years as an executive producer and director on ABC's One Life to Live, and five years in those roles during two stints at All My Children. He directed episodes of other soap operas including NBC's Another World and Santa Barbara, and the syndicated Rituals. He also served as senior executive producer for NBC's Generations and produced Canadian drama Family Passions.
His shows collected 37 Emmy...
In the 1960s, Winther directed for the ABC music showcase Shindig! and worked on variety shows hosted by Jonathan Winters, Sonny & Cher and Barbara McNair.
He later spent more than five years as an executive producer and director on ABC's One Life to Live, and five years in those roles during two stints at All My Children. He directed episodes of other soap operas including NBC's Another World and Santa Barbara, and the syndicated Rituals. He also served as senior executive producer for NBC's Generations and produced Canadian drama Family Passions.
His shows collected 37 Emmy...
- 11/19/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1965: Peyton Place's Connie learned of Allison's accident.
1986: Search or Tomorrow's Suzi crashed her car.
1986: Pat proposal was rejected on Ryan's Hope.
2005: Guiding Light's Olivia confessed to Bill."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1947: On radio soap opera Lora Lawton, Joe visited Lora (Jan Miner) at her London flat. She told him she was going to communicate with Peter through a series of pictures she drew for him.
1965: On Peyton Place, Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson) called Connie MacKenzie (Dorothy Malone) to tell her that her daughter, Allison, was injured in a hit-and-run accident.
1986: Search or Tomorrow's Suzi crashed her car.
1986: Pat proposal was rejected on Ryan's Hope.
2005: Guiding Light's Olivia confessed to Bill."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1947: On radio soap opera Lora Lawton, Joe visited Lora (Jan Miner) at her London flat. She told him she was going to communicate with Peter through a series of pictures she drew for him.
1965: On Peyton Place, Dr. Michael Rossi (Ed Nelson) called Connie MacKenzie (Dorothy Malone) to tell her that her daughter, Allison, was injured in a hit-and-run accident.
- 10/14/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
New York-born singer-songwriter Roxiny has unveiled a new video for her song, “Golden Prophet.” It is the latest single off her 2018 album, Rituals.
“I wrote ‘Golden Prophet’ about my personal experience as a survivor of sexual abuse,” she wrote to Rolling Stone in an email. “It’s the one thing that I can honestly say has affected every aspect of my life. As with many survivors, it took me a long time to come to grips with it, let alone share it. It’s been a long road to recovery...
“I wrote ‘Golden Prophet’ about my personal experience as a survivor of sexual abuse,” she wrote to Rolling Stone in an email. “It’s the one thing that I can honestly say has affected every aspect of my life. As with many survivors, it took me a long time to come to grips with it, let alone share it. It’s been a long road to recovery...
- 10/11/2018
- by Suzy Exposito
- Rollingstone.com
1975: One Live to Live's Tony and Pat got reacquainted.
1984: Guiding Light's Lillian and Phillip mourned Beth.
1995: Y&R's Victor vowed to prove Nick didn't shoot Matt.
2003: "Death" came for Sheridan Crane on Passions."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1932: General Mills-sponsored Betty and Bob debuted on NBC Blue radio. It was the first daytime show to be produced by Frank Hummert and Anne Ashenhurst. Married in 1935, the Hummerts became known as the "King & Queen of Soaps". Betty and Bob was the first true network soap opera on the air, using melodrama at its core.
1984: Guiding Light's Lillian and Phillip mourned Beth.
1995: Y&R's Victor vowed to prove Nick didn't shoot Matt.
2003: "Death" came for Sheridan Crane on Passions."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1932: General Mills-sponsored Betty and Bob debuted on NBC Blue radio. It was the first daytime show to be produced by Frank Hummert and Anne Ashenhurst. Married in 1935, the Hummerts became known as the "King & Queen of Soaps". Betty and Bob was the first true network soap opera on the air, using melodrama at its core.
- 10/11/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1965: Final episode of Atwt spinoff Our Private World aired.
1984: Syndicated soap opera Rituals premiered.
1999: All My Children's Mateo told Hayley he loved her.
2008: As the World Turns' Aaron and Alison married."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1965: CBS aired the final episode of As the World Turns primetime spin-off, Our Private World. Eileen Fulton moved the character of Lisa Hughes from Oakdale to Chicago for the show, which lasted four months while airing twice a week. The series, created by Irna Phillips and William J. Bell, was CBS-tv's answer to ABC's popular Peyton Place.
1984: Syndicated soap opera Rituals premiered.
1999: All My Children's Mateo told Hayley he loved her.
2008: As the World Turns' Aaron and Alison married."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1965: CBS aired the final episode of As the World Turns primetime spin-off, Our Private World. Eileen Fulton moved the character of Lisa Hughes from Oakdale to Chicago for the show, which lasted four months while airing twice a week. The series, created by Irna Phillips and William J. Bell, was CBS-tv's answer to ABC's popular Peyton Place.
- 9/11/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1974: The first Daytime Emmys ceremony was held in New York.
1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.
1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.
2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne
Cooper episode."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.
1970: On Dark Shadows,...
1980: All My Children's Benny tried to get Estelle help.
1990: General Hospital's Shep Casey looked familiar to Anna.
2013: The Young and the Restless aired a special Jeanne
Cooper episode."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1968: On The Doctors, Liz (Pamela Toll) reassured Penny (Jami Fields) when they talked about feeling different.
1970: On Dark Shadows,...
- 5/30/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1967: Dark Shadows' Jason asked patience from Willie.
1979: Guiding Light's Rita had a nightmare about Roger.
1985: As the World Turns' Bob and Kim were married.
1994: Another World's Carl planned on proposing to Rachel."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1967: On Dark Shadows, Jason McGuire (Dennis Patrick) implored Willie Loomis (John Karlen) to wait on getting revenge against Burke Devlin (Mitchell Ryan) until after they got their money.
1979: Guiding Light's Rita had a nightmare about Roger.
1985: As the World Turns' Bob and Kim were married.
1994: Another World's Carl planned on proposing to Rachel."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1967: On Dark Shadows, Jason McGuire (Dennis Patrick) implored Willie Loomis (John Karlen) to wait on getting revenge against Burke Devlin (Mitchell Ryan) until after they got their money.
- 4/12/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1968: Dark Shadows' Barnabas had a strong reaction to light.
1983: Guiding Light's Nola wanted things to be perfect with Quint.
1985: Another World's Sally and Catlin were married.
2004: Days of our Lives' Bonnie enjoyed a Blue County performance."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1955: On Hawkins Falls, Millie Flagle and Lona Corey dyed Easter eggs for a local egg hunt. While they were chatting,...
1983: Guiding Light's Nola wanted things to be perfect with Quint.
1985: Another World's Sally and Catlin were married.
2004: Days of our Lives' Bonnie enjoyed a Blue County performance."All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity that the dry, shrivelled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut."
― Anne Brontë in "Agnes Grey"
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1955: On Hawkins Falls, Millie Flagle and Lona Corey dyed Easter eggs for a local egg hunt. While they were chatting,...
- 4/12/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
In the grand tradition of Deliverance (1972), Rituals (‘77), and Up the Creek (1984) comes Hunter’s Blood (’86), a backwoods hicksploitation actioner that more than gets by with a cast handpicked by the B movie gods and a script wittier than it has to be. Who says the outdoors hold no charm? (Well, normally that would be me.)
Based on the novel by Jere Cunningham (who later wrote the story for Judgment Night, which is just the urban version of the same tale), Hunter’s Blood was released by Palace Pictures in the U.K. in September, and picked up by Roger Corman’s Concorde Pictures for release stateside in January of ’87, where soon after it was destined to languish on home video shelves, with store clerks puzzled as to where it should be stocked. (By the by, I always saw it in the Horror section, where I think it rightfully belonged.) Hard...
Based on the novel by Jere Cunningham (who later wrote the story for Judgment Night, which is just the urban version of the same tale), Hunter’s Blood was released by Palace Pictures in the U.K. in September, and picked up by Roger Corman’s Concorde Pictures for release stateside in January of ’87, where soon after it was destined to languish on home video shelves, with store clerks puzzled as to where it should be stocked. (By the by, I always saw it in the Horror section, where I think it rightfully belonged.) Hard...
- 3/17/2018
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
1968: NBC daytime soap Hidden Faces premiered. 1983: Guiding
Light's Phillip and Beth spent New Year's Eve in New York.
2002: The "Surrender" arc began on Port Charles. 2003: One
Life to Live's Dorian visited All My Children's Pine Valley."History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1963: ABC shifted General Hospital to the 3 p.m. Et time slot after nearly 9 months of airing at 1 p.m.
1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) refused to give John Randolph (Michael M. Ryan) permission to access her medical records.
1968: NBC daytime soap opera Hidden Faces premiered. Created by Irving Vendig, the...
Light's Phillip and Beth spent New Year's Eve in New York.
2002: The "Surrender" arc began on Port Charles. 2003: One
Life to Live's Dorian visited All My Children's Pine Valley."History is a vast early warning system."
― Norman Cousins
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1963: ABC shifted General Hospital to the 3 p.m. Et time slot after nearly 9 months of airing at 1 p.m.
1964: On Another World, Pat Matthews (Susan Trustman) refused to give John Randolph (Michael M. Ryan) permission to access her medical records.
1968: NBC daytime soap opera Hidden Faces premiered. Created by Irving Vendig, the...
- 1/2/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
[Guest author Christopher Lombardo of Really Awful Movies celebrates Canada Day by looking back at three backwoods Canadian horror films.] In the ’70s, Canadian tax loopholes spurred growth in domestic horror films, providing a more reliable low-cost means of recouping one’s investment in a frequently fickle business. A few, like Martin Scorsese’s favorite The Changeling, were critical darlings, while the bulk of them were regarded as cheap government-funded trash. A prominent Canadian critic famously called Cronenberg’s Shivers “an atrocity, a disgrace to everyone connected with it” in a jeremiad titled “You Should Know How Bad This Film Is. After All, You Paid for It.”
Luckily, for those of us invested in such things artistically if not financially (unless you count our tax dollars), we got gems such as Happy Birthday to Me, My Bloody Valentine, Black Christmas (1974), and many others.
The “tax shelter” era, in addition to straight-ahead slashers, also gave us lesser-known films that exposed class divisions—punishing urban interlopers who lacked the necessary survival skills to thrive in the wilderness.
Luckily, for those of us invested in such things artistically if not financially (unless you count our tax dollars), we got gems such as Happy Birthday to Me, My Bloody Valentine, Black Christmas (1974), and many others.
The “tax shelter” era, in addition to straight-ahead slashers, also gave us lesser-known films that exposed class divisions—punishing urban interlopers who lacked the necessary survival skills to thrive in the wilderness.
- 7/1/2016
- by Christopher Lombardo
- DailyDead
Horror films are built on our voyeuristic impulses. Our desire to witness or experience the obscene, the taboo, and the grotesque draws us into films about crazed killers or unseen forces. We don’t just want to be shocked, we want to be vulnerable. The stalking scene is a staple of the genre because it involves us in the filmmaking process by providing us a point of view: usually third person from a victim or first person from a killer. Unlike a chase scene, where both parties are aware of the game, the stalking often involves an oblivious participant. These are the slowest and most methodical scenes. There’s no rush to where we’re going because there is no destination to get to. Once the participant becomes aware, there’s only four options: run, hide, fight, or die.
****
The Birds (1963) – Bird’s eye view
Although not as shocking as Psycho,...
****
The Birds (1963) – Bird’s eye view
Although not as shocking as Psycho,...
- 10/18/2015
- by Staff
- SoundOnSight
You love the horror, suspense thriller, action and science fiction films that make up the world of Canadian cult cinema affectionately known as Canuxploitation.
You’ve watched the entire David Cronenberg genre filmography (if not, please do so now as The Brood, Scanners and The Fly are three of the greatest horror films ever made).
You’ve seen Black Christmas and The Changeling and watched a slasher-ific marathon of Prom Night, Terror Train, Happy Birthday to Me and My Bloody Valentine.
You caught up with Cube, the Ginger Snaps series, Splice, Hobo with a Shotgun and WolfCop all while keeping close tabs on the works of Astron-6.
Yet your hunger for Canadian genre film productions and co-productions cannot be satiated.
To aid you in your deeper exploration of the field, following is a chronological look at a number of Canadian genre films that simply don’t get enough attention.
****
The Groundstar Conspiracy...
You’ve watched the entire David Cronenberg genre filmography (if not, please do so now as The Brood, Scanners and The Fly are three of the greatest horror films ever made).
You’ve seen Black Christmas and The Changeling and watched a slasher-ific marathon of Prom Night, Terror Train, Happy Birthday to Me and My Bloody Valentine.
You caught up with Cube, the Ginger Snaps series, Splice, Hobo with a Shotgun and WolfCop all while keeping close tabs on the works of Astron-6.
Yet your hunger for Canadian genre film productions and co-productions cannot be satiated.
To aid you in your deeper exploration of the field, following is a chronological look at a number of Canadian genre films that simply don’t get enough attention.
****
The Groundstar Conspiracy...
- 4/21/2015
- by Terek Puckett
- SoundOnSight
In celebration of Sound on Sight’s 7th anniversary, writers were asked to come up with articles that present their childhood favorites in the realm of films, TV shows, books or games.
I chose films and anyone who has any familiarity with my writing knows I am virtually incapable of writing an article about a single film so I’m going to focus on a number of movies I saw in my youth.
Growing up in suburban Cincinnati, Ohio, I was fortunate enough to have my own room and my own TV set.
My family didn’t go out to the cinema very often so my introduction to movies was primarily through television.
The household cable television was limited to the family room and the parental restrictions that went with that so a far as movie watching went, it was mostly just me in my room where there were no...
I chose films and anyone who has any familiarity with my writing knows I am virtually incapable of writing an article about a single film so I’m going to focus on a number of movies I saw in my youth.
Growing up in suburban Cincinnati, Ohio, I was fortunate enough to have my own room and my own TV set.
My family didn’t go out to the cinema very often so my introduction to movies was primarily through television.
The household cable television was limited to the family room and the parental restrictions that went with that so a far as movie watching went, it was mostly just me in my room where there were no...
- 11/29/2014
- by Terek Puckett
- SoundOnSight
Lesleh Donaldson with Cinema Retro columnist Todd Garbarini.
By Todd Garbarini
Richard Ciupka’s unfairly maligned 1983 horror film Curtains was screened recently as part of the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Scary Movies 7 exhibition that also included screenings of Lucky McKee’s new film All Cheerleaders Die, Michele Soavi’s highly regarded Cemetery Man (1994), Eli Roth’s new film The Green Inferno, John D. Hancock’s ultra creepy Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971), the New York premiere of Clive Barker’s 1990 film Nightbreed - the Cabal Cut, and Peter Carter’s brilliant Rituals (1977), better known as The Creeper, which stars Hal Holbrook and Lawrence Dane in a film that is clearly influenced by John Boorman’s Deliverance (1971) but easily stands on its own as a strong piece of independent filmmaking.
Appearing in person at the Curtains screening was actress Lesleh Donaldson who played Christie Burns, the ice skater in the film.
By Todd Garbarini
Richard Ciupka’s unfairly maligned 1983 horror film Curtains was screened recently as part of the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Scary Movies 7 exhibition that also included screenings of Lucky McKee’s new film All Cheerleaders Die, Michele Soavi’s highly regarded Cemetery Man (1994), Eli Roth’s new film The Green Inferno, John D. Hancock’s ultra creepy Let’s Scare Jessica to Death (1971), the New York premiere of Clive Barker’s 1990 film Nightbreed - the Cabal Cut, and Peter Carter’s brilliant Rituals (1977), better known as The Creeper, which stars Hal Holbrook and Lawrence Dane in a film that is clearly influenced by John Boorman’s Deliverance (1971) but easily stands on its own as a strong piece of independent filmmaking.
Appearing in person at the Curtains screening was actress Lesleh Donaldson who played Christie Burns, the ice skater in the film.
- 11/11/2013
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Beginning on Halloween night and running through November 7th, New York's Lincoln Center is once again playing host to a horror film festival called Scary Movies, which will see both world premieres of new horror films as well as screenings of genre faves from the past.
With oodles of filmmakers in attendance, and tons of movies being shown, it looks to be another can't miss event. Read on for all the details!
From the Press Release
The Film Society of Lincoln Center’s annual horror fest Scary Movies returns for its 7th edition featuring several U.S. and New York City premieres among its lineup of highly anticipated horror films and thrillers, genre rarities and fan favorites. Appearances include filmmakers Eli Roth, Andrew van den Houten, Cliff Prowse and Derek Lee.
Among the nine U.S. or NYC premieres are; Lucky McKee and Chris Sivertson’s high school horror-revenge film...
With oodles of filmmakers in attendance, and tons of movies being shown, it looks to be another can't miss event. Read on for all the details!
From the Press Release
The Film Society of Lincoln Center’s annual horror fest Scary Movies returns for its 7th edition featuring several U.S. and New York City premieres among its lineup of highly anticipated horror films and thrillers, genre rarities and fan favorites. Appearances include filmmakers Eli Roth, Andrew van den Houten, Cliff Prowse and Derek Lee.
Among the nine U.S. or NYC premieres are; Lucky McKee and Chris Sivertson’s high school horror-revenge film...
- 10/16/2013
- by John Squires
- DreadCentral.com
Directed by: Ji-hoon Kim
Written by: Je-gyun Yun
Starring: Ji-won Ha, Sung-kee Ahn, Ji-ho Oh, Ae-ryeon Cha
In the 1981 TV movie The Intruder Within, Medical Center's Chad Everett plays the commander of an oil rig who inadvertently discovers some prehistoric eggs. One of the eggs hatches, releasing a snake-like malevolent creature that begins to hunt down the crew one by one. Directed by Peter Carter (Rituals), The Intruder Within has the dubious distinction of being one of the first full-on Alien rip-offs on television or film. (Roger Corman’s first attempt, the surreal Galaxy of Terror, would be released theatrically later that year.) It’s a typical early-eighties television yarn with flat visuals, story points timed for commercial breaks and very little onscreen violence. Joseph Bottoms (The Black Hole) is the “Ash” of the piece, attempting to study the life form at any price. There's also a “chest burster” counterpart which is shown,...
Written by: Je-gyun Yun
Starring: Ji-won Ha, Sung-kee Ahn, Ji-ho Oh, Ae-ryeon Cha
In the 1981 TV movie The Intruder Within, Medical Center's Chad Everett plays the commander of an oil rig who inadvertently discovers some prehistoric eggs. One of the eggs hatches, releasing a snake-like malevolent creature that begins to hunt down the crew one by one. Directed by Peter Carter (Rituals), The Intruder Within has the dubious distinction of being one of the first full-on Alien rip-offs on television or film. (Roger Corman’s first attempt, the surreal Galaxy of Terror, would be released theatrically later that year.) It’s a typical early-eighties television yarn with flat visuals, story points timed for commercial breaks and very little onscreen violence. Joseph Bottoms (The Black Hole) is the “Ash” of the piece, attempting to study the life form at any price. There's also a “chest burster” counterpart which is shown,...
- 11/6/2012
- by Bradley Harding
- Planet Fury
For years fans have been hoping that Rituals - starring Hal Holbrook (Into the Wild), Robin Gammell (Lipstick) and Lawrence Dane (Scanners) - would finally arrive to DVD. Hope was risen when Code Red teased about a release for years! ....Well it looks like some good news is finally in sight for fans of this little known horror chiller from the 80's.
According to the Navarre Distribution Services website, Rituals will be arriving to DVD on April 5, 2011! However, you better get your copy quick. Anyone remember Final Exam or Savage Streets with Linda Blair. Those films were released by Navarre for Code Red Entertainment. However, those films became quickly discontinued and the value at times on these films shot up to $100! So if you are intent on getting a copy for your collection, you better do so soon after the film's initial release, unless you're willing to fork over that...
According to the Navarre Distribution Services website, Rituals will be arriving to DVD on April 5, 2011! However, you better get your copy quick. Anyone remember Final Exam or Savage Streets with Linda Blair. Those films were released by Navarre for Code Red Entertainment. However, those films became quickly discontinued and the value at times on these films shot up to $100! So if you are intent on getting a copy for your collection, you better do so soon after the film's initial release, unless you're willing to fork over that...
- 2/9/2011
- by Big Daddy aka Brandon Sites
- Big Daddy Horror Reviews - Interviews
I'm a little late on posting the list this week (I usually hit you with it on Sunday), but didn't want to miss my next-to-last pre-Thanksgiving chance to say "Gobble, Gobble! Motherfucker!" (Thankskilling, see below) again. Below the jump you'll find the full list of titles arriving in-stores this week in our weekly version of the famous Fangoria Chopping List.
Note: Some product descriptions provided by Amazon. Clickable links lead to Amazon.com
Basement Jack
Karen Cook was your average high school student... until the night evil invaded her life. She would soon be known as the lone survivor of a seven-day killing spree perpetrated by a seventeen year old boy the world would come to call "Basement Jack". For the next eleven years, Karen Cook lived in fear that one day Basement Jack would be released. Then, a court hearing in 2006 found that Jack Riley had not received a...
Note: Some product descriptions provided by Amazon. Clickable links lead to Amazon.com
Basement Jack
Karen Cook was your average high school student... until the night evil invaded her life. She would soon be known as the lone survivor of a seven-day killing spree perpetrated by a seventeen year old boy the world would come to call "Basement Jack". For the next eleven years, Karen Cook lived in fear that one day Basement Jack would be released. Then, a court hearing in 2006 found that Jack Riley had not received a...
- 11/18/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (James Zahn)
- Fangoria
We have a little something for everyone this week: teenagers and newlyweds fighting for their survival, an alien-caused apocalypse, a revenge-starved botched abortion survivor, a Twilight spoof, and even a "dark" ballet.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. We also get the obvious "pick of the week" Chan-Wook Park's highly acclaimed vampire priest saga Thirst, Thora Birch's not so acclaimed return to the genre in Train, goofy and gory holiday fare ThanksKilling, and Rituals, a long-lost gem from 1977 starring Hal Holbrook.
Now's the perfect time to commence your holiday shopping in the EvilShop below!
- Debi Moore
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Discuss this week's releases in the Dread Central forums!
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. We also get the obvious "pick of the week" Chan-Wook Park's highly acclaimed vampire priest saga Thirst, Thora Birch's not so acclaimed return to the genre in Train, goofy and gory holiday fare ThanksKilling, and Rituals, a long-lost gem from 1977 starring Hal Holbrook.
Now's the perfect time to commence your holiday shopping in the EvilShop below!
- Debi Moore
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
Got news? Click here to submit it!
Discuss this week's releases in the Dread Central forums!
- 11/16/2009
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
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