Day 23, A Modern Prometheus

DoctorVictor Frankenstein had a dream, a dream to conquer death and disease. Not all dreams work out for you the way you would like them too, sometimes you only create the number 2 box office draw movie monster. If torch-wielding mobs had their say, Frankensteinwould be the number one monster of all time. Pieced together from bits and pieces of murderers, thieves and whatever parts were on hand, Frankenstein has smashed, crashed and torn his way through as many movie theatres as the Prince of the Undeadhas.

Over the years many cinematic scientists have attempted to follow in the footsteps of Boris Karloff, some have succeeded,and some have missed the mark. Rarely does a parody outshine an original, but director Mel Brooks surpassed all expectations and gave us the 1974 comedy gem Young Frankenstein. Luck was with Brooks during the filming as he stumbled across the actual props used in the Karloff film. One year later, the film world would be changed forever as a door was opened that could never be closed again.

Day 14, Halloween is kids stuff

Pipkin and his friends do everything together, and they always trick or treat together. Pipkin is never late, in fact he is always the first one there, but this year he’s late. There is an ambulance at Pipkins’ house, he’s being taken to the hospital, or is he? Pipkin is seen in the distance, and the chase is on. Pipken disappears into a strange house owned by a strange man named Moundshroud and they see his Halloween Treeand the friends soon realize that what they had perceived to be a game is far more series then they had ever expected.

Ray Bradburry’s 1972 novel The Halloween Treeis a novel that fulfills two children’s lessons at the same time in a humorous fashion. The novel is a fantastical view of the history of the various traditions and holidays that have become known in America as Halloween. Pipkin and his friends also take part in a coming of age journey, as Pipkin is dying and his friends must attempt to save his soul from becoming a part of Moundshrouds’ collection. Sadly, this movie has not been released on DVD used VHS copies are your best chance to hear Ray Bradbury narrate his classic novel.