Skip to main content

William Castle Tribute VI: Happy Birthday... From Beyond the Grave!

The year 1914 saw two events that would change the world.  One was the First World War... the other was the birth of William Castle.

World War One would change the face of the world from one of empires to one of republics and democracies.  William Castle would change the face of the movie world from one of watching a movie to one of experiencing the movie.

Thus today, on April 24th, we're celebrating the 97th birthday of William Castle.  While some may argue that a war changes the way world leaders looked at the world was more important, I would have to disagree.  I feel that celebrating the life of a single man that touched and influenced the lives of millions to be much more important.  Yes, World War One brought may have brought countries freedom from Imperialism, but William Castle brought people freedom from apathy and stale thinking.

After all, even if you're "chained" by the rule of an empire, you're still free in your mind and soul... but if you're shackled by apathy and stagnant thought, you are truly a prisoner in life.

Freedom fighters fight wars to throw off the rule of their dictators.  William Castle made his movies to fight off the rule of formulaic, uniform and boring movies.

So, today, April 24th, we're celebrating the birth of a movie freedom fighter... William Castle.

Happy Birthday!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Grave Questions: Jessica Cameron

February is " Women in Horror Month "- a month in which to celebrate the impact that women have had on the genre and the industry- from writing, to acting, to directing and producing. Jessica Cameron has experienced the industry in all those capacity- making her a perfect choice for me to ask some " Grave Questions " of in order to raise awareness of the great women in Horror. Please not that this article SHOULD'VE been posted in February, but due to technical difficulties, we're putting it up now.  Thank you. TCoT :   Which female horror stars helped to inspire you to not only enjoy the genre- but to get involved in bringing scary movies to the world? Jessica :  I literally said to my " Truth or Dare " producer, "If the Soska sisters can make " Dead Hooker in a Trunk " with nothing, then I can make " Truth or Dare ".  So needless to say that those girls have been a huge inspiration in everything I do behind the

Meridian: Kiss of the Beast (1990)

Sometimes, a director/producer will surprise you- such was the case during " Terrorpolooza 2012 " when I watched Charles Band's " Meridian: Kiss of the Beast " Catherine Bomarzini has come home after her father's death.  Needing company, she asks Gina to stay with her.  Soon, the two meet a wondering troupe of performers that Catherine invites to dinner at her castle. Catherine find herself pulled into a love triangle and an ancient curse that only she can break. After watching movies like " Evil Bong ", and " Demonic Toys ", I really wasn't expecting too much from this Charles Band movie- but I was pleasantly surprised by it. The story is actually quite interesting with lots of potential for eerie scenes, and character development.  It's a nice twist on the classic " Beauty and the Beast " story.  It's a bit slower than most of Band's other works, but moves smoothly and draws you with it. I have to ad

The Phantom of the Opera

  Not too long ago, I reviewed the silent horror classic, "Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror", and wound up being in the mood to view a few other of the silent horror films in my collection.  The next one I watched was "The Phantom of the Opera", starring Lon Chaney, Sr, and released in 1925.   A mysterious stranger has been threatening the star singer of the Paris Opera House- someone who has signs his letters simply as, "The Phantom".  This stranger wants to clear the way so his protege, Christine Daae can ascend to stardom herself.  Soon, her love for the Comte de Chagny collides with The Phantom's desire for Christine forcing both to take drastic actions in order to be with the one they love. " The Phantom of the Opera " actually underwent three periods of re-shoots and editing, due to poor reception and test viewings.  In 1930, a sound version was created- often assumed to be what is called "The Eastman House Print".  It is