Poster Art - ALL MONSTERS ATTACK (1969)

Is this the worst of the Showa Era Godzilla films? 

 

LADY VAMPIRE (1959) a.k.a. Vampire Man

I discovered this film last night and watched it this afternoon because the internet is often a true wonder. The more accurate title is definitely Vampire Man but I understand the desire to give it the Lady title. Whatever it is called this is a wonderfully odd little hidden gem of Japanese supernatural horror that takes a novel approach to the idea of the bloodsucker myth. Here the vampire is capable of moving around comfortably in daylight but the direct rays of the moon transform him into a ravenously thirsty monster attacking the throat of any female within reach. He also casts a reflection in mirrors and uses golden crosses to immobilize past victims he likes to keep around as decorations. And he has a small group of Renfields including a dwarf, a bald muscle-man and a witch! Did I mention it is an odd movie? 

There is a very good subtitled copy available on the Sinister Cinema YouTube page HERE and I recommend it if you are the least bit curious.

 

Poster and Ad Art for GODZILLA VS THE SEA MONSTER (1966)

Also known as EIBRAH, HORROR OF THE DEEP this has never been my favorite Big G movie but it does have its charms.

 

INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER (1965) Poster Art

 

ATRAGON (1963) Poster Art and Lobby Cards

 

Trailer - GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023)

I can hardly wait for December to get to see this on the big screen! 

The Bloody Pit #122 - ULTRA Q (1966)

Author Mark Clark returns to discuss the exceptional Japanese television series ULTRA Q.

 

Originally envisioned as a combination of The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, ULTRA Q was altered to be more of a ‘giant monster’ series to be part of the Kiaju craze that was incredibly popular with children in the 1960’s. But while giant creatures were a common element of the show’s run there were also numerous episodes in the 28 stories produced that didn’t utilize such monsters. In fact, some of the best the series has to offer are tales that focus on deeper concepts more in line with adult concerns and fears. And even some of the more monster heavy episodes are clearly about larger ideas with a lot of emphasis placed on ecological destruction and the fallout of unchecked human greed. The show’s tone is quite variable with humor sometimes intruding into topics a western audience might find odd. Usually things usually work out in a satisfactory fashion even if it means shooting children into outer space!

Mark and I dig into some of our favorite episodes including the amazing gothic horror tale ‘Baron Spider’; ersatz Gamera tale ‘Grow Up! Little Turtle’;  possible Godzilla vs Biollante inspiration ‘Mammoth Flower’; man in a gorilla suit madness ‘The Underground Super Express Goes West’; the interesting ‘Challenge From the Year 2020’ and the bizarre vision of the inferiority complex of one of the series’ reoccurring characters in ‘The 1/8 Project’. Along the way we touch on several other episodes in relation to these and spend a long time detailing the melancholy finale that is both touching and sad. ULTRA Q stands out as one of the most inventive and intelligent series made by Tsuburaya Productions even if it was the various future UltraMan series that went on to larger worldwide fame.

 

If you have any comments or questions please write the show at thebloodypit@gmail.com or look in on us at the podcast’s FB page. Thank you for listening! 

Apple Podcasts LINK 

Direct Download LINK 

Ultra Q Monsters!

There's a lot of creativity on display here! 

And nightmare fuel, of course.