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 16, 1889
On this day in Horror History, Charles Spencer Chaplin was born. One of the most pivotal actors in the infancy of cinema, the silent film star has inspired countless talented people in the movie industry. The first actor ever to be featured on the cover of Time Magazine in 1925, Chaplin’s global notoriety thrust him before the eyes of some of the most influential historical figures in living history. Not all for the better, it is rumored that the beloved star would inspire the toothbrush mustache adorned by Adolf Hitler, as the dictator’s goal was to harness the global appeal of Chaplin, regardless of his disdain for the Switzerland born icon whom he incorrectly believed to be a Jew. An talent of limitless bounds, Chaplin has impacted every facet of film and will continue to share a legacy of brilliance in the dawning of motion picture history.

“Naturalness is the greatest requisite of comedy. It must be real and true to life. I believe in realism absolutely. Real things appeal to the people far quicker than the grotesque. My comedy is actual life, with the slightest twist or exaggeration, you might say, to bring out what it might be under certain circumstances.” –Charles Chaplin

Today In Horror History

March 28, 1963
On this day in Horror History, Alfred Hitchcock’s classic The Birds debuted in New York City. Based on the story by Daphne Du Maurier, The Birds was the famed director’s return to film after Psycho and a 3 year hiatus while working on ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’. In the presence of many films playing upon the stylized approach and success of Psycho, the legendary director turned the tables on the industry and made the seemingly mundane quite terrifying. With brilliant film-making, the beauty of Tippi Hedre, and the peculiar joy that Hitchcock proved with such antics as speakers bellowing the sounds of birds outside the theatre, the cinematic masterpiece would become one of the most beloved of his career.

“I have never known birds of different species to flock together. The very concept is unimaginable. Why, if that happened, we wouldn't stand a chance! How could we possibly hope to fight them?” –Mrs. Bundy

"The Birds" Trailer

Today In Horror History

March 7, 1999
On this day in Horror History, the world lost Stanley Kubrick. Perhaps one of the most influential and visionary film-makers of all time, Kubrick’s brilliance poured into ever cinematic masterpiece he ever made. Having lent his genius to such classics as The Shining (1980), A Clockwork Orange (1971), and Full Metal Jacket (1987), Seven of his last nine films were nominated for Oscars and he personally was nominated for Best Director four consecutive times.

The beauty and boundless radiance within Kubrick and each of his films was and will always be monumental in the hearts of those who have been captivated by his legacy. The world was blessed to have Kubrick share himself with each of us, and through his works we will never forget the legend of cinematic history.

“There's something inherently wrong with the human personality. There's an evil side to it. One of the things that horror stories can do is to show us the archetypes of the unconscious: we can see the dark side without having to confront it directly. Also, ghost stories appeal to our craving for immortality. If you can be afraid of a ghost, then you have to believe that a ghost may exist. And if a ghost exists, then oblivion might not be the end.” –Stanley Kubrick




Part 2

 
March 7, 1933
On this day in Horror History, King Kong premiered in New York City at the Radio City Music Hall. The timeless classic that had went through countless name changes during production including "The Beast”, "The Eighth Wonder", "The Ape", "King Ape" and "Kong", has become a vivid and immortal piece of cinematic history. King Kong, one of the most lucrative films of RKO Radio Pictures catalog, was also credited as the film that would ultimately save the company from bankruptcy during the great depression, and would hold many records with box office sales that would dwarf other blockbusters for decades to come.

As for our legendary giant gorilla, brought to the forsaken city of New York... It was his roar which was a lion's and a tiger's roar combined and run backwards that would captivate audiences from around the globe, even becoming the favorite film of Adolf Hitler. From a time when it was mandated that every movie monster had to die by the end of the film, the 40 lives that were lost by the misunderstood monster and the tragic fate that would befall him will always be one of the most adored films of all time.

“And now, ladies and gentlemen, before I tell you any more, I'm going to show you the greatest thing your eyes have ever beheld. He was a king and a god in the world he knew, but now he comes to civilization merely a captive - a show to gratify your curiosity. Ladies and gentlemen, look at Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World. “ -Carl Denham

Today In Horror History

February 26, 1920
On this day in Horror History, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari made it’s theatrical debut. Widely considered to be the first horror film regardless of the few elementally similar of the silent film era that preceded it, it is undoubtedly the advent to most all horror films for the stylized and dramatic aura of the sinister that has made it a staple in movie history. Most every media has derived some form of inspiration from the film that was originally scoffed at. Yet it would inevitably play for 7 years straight in Germany. Into today, film-makers, musicians, and artists abound find themselves compelled by the paper props and set design, painted shadows and what was the first film to ever utilize a surprise ending.

“You fools, this man is plotting our doom! We die at dawn! He is Caligari!” -Francis