Today In Horror History

July 6th, 1927
On this day in Horror History, the late Janet Leigh (Jeanette Helen Morrison) was born. With her parents constantly relocating and being an only child, Janet spent most of her adolescence without friends and frequenting movie theaters. However, this was not her inspiration for her acting career. Graduating early from high school at the age of 15 and studying music and psychology at the University of Pacific, she was only "discovered" by a photograph that her father kept at his desk while working at a ski resort in Northern California, by retired MGM actress Norma Shearer, who thought she had the perfect look for a "young and naive, country girl." After a few screen tests, Janet landed a starring role in The Romance of Rosy Ridge (1947) of which commenced her life long acting career. Starring in a variety of widely successful films from westerns to comedies to musicals, Janet would be known for her roles in such films as Act of Violence (1948), Little Women (1949), Angels in the Outfield (1951), Houdini (1953), Touch of Evil (1958) and many others before landing her iconic role in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960). When reflecting on her experience working with Hitchcock she said:
"Hitch relished scaring me. When we were making Psycho, he experimented with the mother's corpse, using me as his gauge. I would return from lunch, open the door to the dressing room and propped up in my chair would be this hideous monstrosity. The horror in my scream, registered on his Richter scale, decided which dummy he'd use as the Madame."
Janet would later appear in The Fog (1980), and in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) alongside one of her daughters also in the film industry, horror icon Jamie Lee Curtis. Janet Leigh died at age 77 in her home in Beverly Hills, California on October 3, 2004 but will be forever etched in time with her sparkling blue eyes, sultry voice and long lasting influence on the horror genre. Happy Birthday Janet!

Today In Horror History

June 16,1960
On this day in Horror History, Psycho would premier in New York City. Theatre goers would flock to see what would not only become Alfred Hitchcock’s first horror film, but the most definitive in his career. Loud speakers bellowing a countdown to “Psycho Time” and posters conveying that no one would be admitted in after the film rolled, guaranteed that the masterpiece would be seen in its entirety by a public who couldn’t have anticipated the moment in history that they were about to witness. Arguably the most influential horror film to date, Psycho not only set a standard for the slasher movie becoming one of the most identifiable premises in the industry, it shaped cinema as a whole by testing the limits at which films were rated and what was deemed acceptable in American motion pictures.

Fifty Three years later, the film which brought Hitchcock into horror infamy, continues to invoke terror and a state of unrest in those who indulge upon the ’60 Classic. Placed before the ratings board several times in the last half century, what once was considered to be racy and obscene, and shunned by many of critics for its “distasteful” elements of horror, still holds the same ever-present fright with a now rating that equals that of some Disney films…

Ironically, Walt Disney himself would not allow Hitchcock to film in Disneyland in the early sixties stating the reason being that he made “that disgusting movie, 'Psycho'."

“It's not like my mother is a maniac or a raving thing. She just goes a little mad sometimes. We all go a little mad sometimes. Haven't you?” –Norman Bates

 

 Shower Scene From "Psycho"

"Psycho' Trailer 

Today In Horror History

April 29,1980
On this day in Horror History, the world lost Alfred Joseph Hitchcock. One of the most influential Directors in history, Hitchcock will always be an undeniable forefather to not just the horror genre, but many cinematic elements in their entirety. Bending social standards of what was acceptable to be seen in theatres and never shying away from letting his talent and vision tear its way into the eyes of film-goers worldwide, Hitchcock’s career gave us some of the most quintessential movies including Psycho (1960) and The Birds (1963). An inspiration to so many, and blood in the hearts of Horror Fans, Hitchcock will live on within everyone who has delved into the mind of the directorial genius.

“Fear isn't so difficult to understand. After all, weren't we all frightened as children? Nothing has changed since Little Red Riding Hood faced the big bad wolf. What frightens us today is exactly the same sort of thing that frightened us yesterday.” –Alfred Hitchcock
 

April 29, 1981
On this day in Horror History Alex Vincent was born. At a young age Vincent would amaze audiences as Andy Barclay in Child’s Play (1988). Opposite of the possessed doll Chucky, he would prove an acting prowess well beyond his years. A fan favorite at conventions worldwide, Alex Vincent is also an avid Musician and Writer. 

 

Horror On TV: Bates Motel

So who is watching Bates Motel on A&E?

I absolutely love it!

It's like a horror mystery.

I feel that with every episode it gets more and more intense.

I LOVE how messed up Norman's mom and brother are, it really gives you a picture of why Norman went crazy.  

Also some good news for the show, A&E picked it up for a 2nd season! (yay)

Details: A&E’s “Bates Motel,” from executive producers Carlton Cuse (“Lost”) and Kerry Ehrin (“Friday Night Lights”), is a contemporary prequel to the genre-defining film Psycho and promises to give viewers an intimate portrayal of how Norman Bates’ psyche unravels through his teenage years. Fans will have access to the dark, twisted backstory of Norman Bates and how deeply intricate his relationship with his mother, Norma, truly is.

“Bates Motel” airs on A&E Mondays @ 10/9c

 

National Alfred Hitchcock Day

March 12, 2013
Today is National Alfred Hitchcock Day, a celebration of the life and legacy of one of the most profoundly brilliant directors in history. Alfred Joseph Hitchcock will always be an undeniable forefather not just the horror genre, but many cinematic elements in their entirety. Bending social standards of what was acceptable to be seen in theatres and never shying away from letting his talent and vision tear its way into the eyes of film-goers worldwide, Hitchcock’s career gave us some of the most quintessential movies including Psycho (1960) and The Birds (1963). An inspiration to so many, and blood in the hearts of Horror Fans, Hitchcock will live on within everyone who has delved into the mind of the directorial genius.

“Fear isn't so difficult to understand. After all, weren't we all frightened as children? Nothing has changed since Little Red Riding Hood faced the big bad wolf. What frightens us today is exactly the same sort of thing that frightened us yesterday. It's just a different wolf. This fright complex is rooted in every individual.” –Alfred Hitchcock


Teaser trailer for Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho" 

The Famous Shower scene from "Psycho"  

Upcoming TV: Bates Motel on A&E

You can watch 7 mins of the series premiere of "Bates Motel" for FREE from iTunes!!

"Bates Motel" is set to premiere on A&E March, 18th, 2013