FRIGHTFUL FUN: TELETUBBY HORROR STORY

I'd argue that there are few tv opening credits sequences as legitimately creepy as the frankly FUCKED UP opening to Fox's American Horror Story: Freak Show.

Don't believe me? Well look below...

BRRRRRR!

I thought very little could match that when it came to nightmare fuel.

I was wrong.

Enter CBBC's Teletubbies — brightly coloured and nonsensical bastions of children's entertainment. Except, when they cease being brightly coloured and are instead shown in black and white, they cease to be so family friendly and instead become genuinely horrifying.

Add in dark musical genius Charlie Clouser's (he of Nine Inch Nails fame) and you get the sort of experience that feels like it's sucking your soul out of you as you watch it.

So credit to Anne Wood and Andrew Davenport for putting this blood-curdling video together. 

God knows what they could manage with In The Night Garden and the theme to Cannibal Holocaust...

Anybody out there got anything similar for me? Send it my way!

If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors

FRIGHTFUL FUN: DR SEUSS’ THE BABADOOK

So, I was a pretty damn impressed by The Babadook. Don't believe me? The review is right here.

I also loved the infamous Scary Poppins fake trailer by Mike Rule from a few years ago in which the classic Disney family movie was reimagined as a chilling horror flick.
See that right here if you haven’t already!

There's something wonderfully dark about subverting those classics from our childhood and combining them with the genre we love, as evidenced in my previous features on The Thing crossing paths with Pingu and Frozen.
No imagine my joy when the horror source material so wilfully likens itself to that most childish of things — the works of Dr Seuss.
You know where I’m going with this.

Check out this kick ass mash-up by the very talented Horror Report right here.

I’ll say this again.

KICK.
ASS!!!!!

Anybody out there got anything similar for me? Send it my way!

If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors

Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.

FRIGHTFUL FUN: FROZEN MEETS THE THING

Some of my more regular readers may have noticed I’ve got a lot of love for John Carpenter’s The Thing.
Hell, I recently called it the greatest remake EVER!
So I love when other people show their love for this legitimate masterpiece by mashing it up with other flicks. I got a massive kick out of seeing Pingu Meets The Thing a couple of weeks ago, but this work (by genius animator Lee Hardcastle once again) takes it one step further, combining the icy, snowy isolation and horror of The Thing (more specifically, the blood testing scene) with the icy, snowy isolation and toe-tapping catchy music numbers of Frozen.

Yes, the Disney, ‘Let it go’, Olaf the snowman one.

IN. CRED. I. BLE.

Check it out and be sure to hit up the very talented Mr Hardcastle‘s official web site immediately.

Anybody out there got anything similar for me? Send it my way!

If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors

Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.

FRIGHTFUL FUN: THE EVIL WITHIN – THE MOVIE

I love a damn fine horror video game and one of the most incredible to come bouncing down the pipeline in a very long time is The Evil Within.
Guided by the twisted vision of Resident Evil creator, Shinji Mikami, this is an equally terrifying and filmic gaming experience.
So I was delighted to discover that some genius (or possibly maniac) has brilliantly edited together all of the games cutscenes with some of the best gameplay moments to create a feature length movie following the steps of Detective Castellanos in his efforts to apprehend the deadly Ruvic.
You need to check out the wonderful work of YouTuber Gamebill Studio (Nabil Ayari), this is a great watch — although for those of you who haven’t yet completed the game, needless to say there are some pretty massive spoilers!
Interested? Well, here it is!

This is awesome, we need more animated horror and this is just one of the ways in which it can be achieved. Great work, sir!

Anybody out there got anything similar for me? Send it my way!

If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors

Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.

FRIGHTFUL FUN: PINGU THINGU

This absolutely hits the spot for me. 
As a father, I’ve experienced my fair share of bizarre pre-school Cbeebies TV programming, and one of the very longest running of these is the freaky Pingu.
First hitting screens back in 1986, the Swiss children’s favourite created by Otmar Gutmann, follows a weird family of stop-motion animation penguins who live in igloos in the Antarctic and bellow at each other in a gobbledy-gook style of speech.
It is as messed up as it sounds.

You know what else is messed up and takes place in the Antarctic? John Carpenter‘s phenomenal sci-fi horror classic The Thing!
If only somebody, somewhere had the time to combine these…

I think you know where this is going. Long-term reader of Hickey’s House of Horrors, Sgt Keelo was kind enough to bring the immensely talented and very, very awesome Lee Hardcastle’s Pingu/Thing hybrid (It needs to be called Thingu!) to my attention.
As a huge The Thing fan, the details in this incredible little video made my day and then some!
Want to check it out? OF COURSE YOU DO!!!!!
It’s right here! Go nuts!

Anybody out there got anything similar for me? Send it my way!

If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors

Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.

FEATURE: SINISTER SIX: SMASHING SCREAM QUEENS

With this week’s announcement that the wonderful Jamie Lee Curtis is heading back to her horror roots for Fox TV’s new horror-comedy, aptly titled Scream Queens, I thought it was time to check out some more of the genre’s iconic leading ladies.

From the slasher heyday of the late 70s-early 80s to today’s horror efforts, this doesn’t contain every single actress who deserves the title of Scream Queen, but it does contain some of the very best…

1: P.J. SOLES

(Carrie, Halloween, The Butterfly Room, The Devil’s Rejects)

One of Curtis’ Halloween co-stars, P.J. Soles’s Lynda fared less fortunately than Laurie Strode. Not just content with being ‘the one that went topless’ in Carpenter’s slasher classic, Soles also has a role in genre must-see, Carrie too! If that weren’t enough, in more recent years Soles has returned to horror with a string of roles. ‘FANTASTIC’.

2: LINNEA QUIGLEY

(Return of the Living Dead, Night of the Demons, Creepozoids, Sorority Babes at the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama, Silent Night Deadly Night, Pumpkinhead 2)

Ms Quigley is pretty much a living legend to me. Starring in dozens of cult-classics that will be all-too familiar to my fellow children of the Eighties, Quigley is one of the greatest and most prolific scream queens of all time. Known for her serious acting chops and willingness to bare her well-honed bod (she even released a horror work out tape!), Linnea was one of the first names on this list.

3: DEBBIE ROCHON

(Tromeo and Juliet, Santa Claws, Bleed, Terror Firmer, Dorchester’s Revenge: The Return of Crinoline Head)

Equally prolific in her horror and cult film appearances, the feisty and tough Rochon became a mainstay of Troma films during the Nineties. Completely and utterly embracing her role as a horror icon, Rochon has appeared in dozens of horror films and a quick look at her imdb page shows PLENTY more on the way. A genuinely great actress, she elevates films just through appearing in them. Ms Rochon, I salute you.

4: NEVE CAMPBELL

(The Craft, Scream, Scream II, Scream III, Scream IV)

While the quantity of Neve Campbell’s horror output can’t touch that of Quigley, Soles or Rochon, the importance of her work cannot be understated. As the lead star in Scream, the film that single-handedly resurrected the horror genre in 1996, she became a superstar scream queen. A talented actress, she became the face of one of the biggest horror franchises of all time and earned a place on this list.

5: BARBARA CRAMPTON

(Re-Animator, From Beyond, Castle Freak, You’re Next, Chopping Mall, Lords of Salem)

Clearly a firm favourite with director Stuart Gordon, Barbara Crampton has appeared in a number of his films, not least of which the ever-popular (and awesome), Re-Animator. Along with roles in Gordon's Lovecraftian From Beyond and Castle Freak, Crampton also appeared in campy-classic Chopping Mall. Furthermore, she has returned to the genre in recent years, notably in Adam Wingard's superb You're Next. Vivacious and clearly game to get her hands (and other body parts) dirty, Crampton is a top drawer Scream Queen.

6: DANIELLE HARRIS

(Halloween 4, Halloween 5, Hatchet 2, Hatchet 3, Chromeskull: Laid to Rest 2, See No Evil 2, Urban Legends, Blood Night: The Legend of Mary Hatchet, Halloween 2007, Stake Land)

Danielle Harris is THE reigning Scream Queen today. Don’t believe me? Look at that filmography. After appearing in the original Halloween franchise, Harris took a short break rom horror before returning with a bang. She took over the lead role in both of the Hatchet sequels, the lead in the Soska sisters’ See No Evil 2, returned to Halloween franchise in Rob Zombie’s remakes and is appearing in genre film after genre film. The pretty, pint-sized sparkplug is EVERYTHING that a modern scream queen should be, showing an impressive versatility in her roles and terrific pride in the genre. Danielle is not just the top reigning Scream Queen, she is one of the best ever.

So, any thoughts on the list? Can you think of any surprising additions?

Feel free to drop any comments below.

If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the internet so you don’t have to!

I hope you enjoyed your stay.

FEATURE: SINISTER SIX: ACTORS WHO HAVE PLAYED DRACULA

 

On this date in 1992, Bram Stoker’s Dracula was top of the box office.

Along with a painfully miscast Keanu Reeves, the film also starred Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins and the great Gary Oldman as the titular vampiric count.

Oldman’s performance was electrifying and propelled his name towards the upper echelon of screen Draculas, alongside the definitive performances by Christopher Lee and Bela Lugosi.

  

But these aren’t the only Hollywood stars to play the Transylvanian Count on the silver screen. No, the list of actors to play Dracula is very long and features quite a few surprises. Read on to see a selection of actors who have donned the fangs and funny accent for our viewing pleasure…

1: JACK PALANCE

(Dracula, 1974)

As an actor who portrayed hissing, evil antagonists in the likes of Batman, Tango & Cash, Young Guns, Hawk the Slayer and a slew of Westerns, it should come as little surprise to hear that the man born Vladimir Palahniuk brought an incredible intensity to the holy grail of horror roles, Count Dracula. 

Starring in Dan Curtis’ oft-overlooked tv version of the classic tale, Palance’s take on the role is one of the finer embodiments of the character.

2: DENHOLM ELLIOTT

(Mystery and Imagination, 1968)

I’ll always know Denholm Elliott as Marcus Brody from the Indiana Jones films. However, he also appeared in comedy smash Trading Places and was a familiar face to British horror fans for his roles in Amicus portmanteaus, including The House That Dripped Blood and The Vault of Horror.

However, in 1968 he starred opposite Susan George in a teleplay of Dracula as a part of the series Mystery and Imagination.

3: LESLIE NIELSEN

(Dracula: Dead and Loving It, 1995)

Know originally for his deadly serious roles in the likes of The Poseidon Adventure, the late, great Leslie Nielsen truly found his niche in comedy, starring in the likes of the hilarious Airplane and Naked Gun films.

It was in one of these comic roles that Nielsen played the lord of the undead, in the very amusing Dracula: Dead and Loving It.

The role was perfect for Nielsen’s physical comedy, impeccable timing and deadpan delivery. If you get the chance, check it out!

4: JON PERTWEE

(3-2-1 — The Magic of Merlin, 1985)

This is a real rarity and quite tough to find. There are YouTube clips that claim this sketch was part of the Generation Game, the IMDB claims it happened on 3-2-1. Either way, the image above of Dr Who as the Prince of Darkness means this one cannot be ignored! GOLD.

5: DOMINIC PURCELL

(Blade: Trinity, 2004)

Do you remember the ridiculously convoluted and contrived, yet utterly addictive tv series Prison Break? In that case you may remember that the elder of the two brothers, Lincoln, was played by Dominic Purcell.

But did you know that he starred as Drake (it’s Dracula, they aren’t fooling anyone!) opposite Wesley Snipes in Blade: Trinity. The film also featured Ryan Reynolds as Hannibal King, but he wasn’t a vampire, so let’s move on shall we?

6: GERARD BUTLER

(Dracula 2001, 2000)

‘This. Is. Transylvania!’

Alas the man who was Leonidas in 300, didn’t utter this immortal line, but he did appear as Dracula in Dracula 2001 back in 2000 (eh?)

I’ve not seen the film (and judging by some of the reviews out there, that may be a good thing!) but for those who want to see that handsome Scottish fella from RocknRolla and Olympus Has Fallen chewing on some necks, this would seem to be the film for you!

So, any thoughts on the list? Can you think of any surprising additions?

Feel free to drop any comments below.

If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors

Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.

FUN FEATURE: WHAT IS YOUR SLASHER FILM NAME?

IF YOU WERE AN AWFUL 1980’s SLASHER FILM, WHAT WOULD YOU BE CALLED?

You can find out in three simple steps (or even 4 if you want to get advanced!)

First start with THE, then take the first letter of your first name…

A – BLOODY

B – TEXAS

C – BLACK

D – NIGHT OF THE

E – SCREAMING

F – BLEEDING

G – BOSTON

H – HOUSE OF THE

I – DEADLY

J – PSYCHOTIC

K – RAGING

L – INSANE

M – MANIACAL

N – BACKWOODS

O – SUMMERCAMP

P&Q – LAKESIDE

R – PSYCHO

S – CURSE OF THE

T – LEGEND OF THE

U&V – NIGHTMARE

W – CLOWNHOUSE

X, Y & Z – DEVIL’S

Then take the month you were born…

JANUARY – NEW YEAR

FEBRUARY – VALENTINE’S

MARCH – CHAINSAW

APRIL – APRIL FOOL’S

MAY – POWERDRILL

JUNE – SORORITY

JULY – PROM

AUGUST – DEATH

SEPTEMBER – GRADUATION

OCTOBER – HALLOWEEN

NOVEMBER – HATCHET

DECEMBER – CHRISTMAS

Then take the first letter of your surname…

A – KILLINGS

B – MURDERS

C – MUTILATOR

D – STRANGLER

E – EVIL

F – RIPPER

G – LUNATIC

H – MANGLER

I – INCIDENT

J – BLOODSHED

K – KILLER

L – HORROR

M – MURDERER

N – MADMAN

O – SUMMERCAMP

P&Q – PROWLER

R – STALKER

S – MANIAC

T – MASSACRE

U&V – NIGHTMARE

W – SLAUGHTER

X, Y & Z – DEMON

And there you go!

Using this formula I have become The Curse of the Valentine’s Mangler.

I would watch this film.

But wait!

You want to get truly into the spirit and add a sequelish sub-title?

Well just read on!

Take the last number of your age and check below — to explain, if you’re one (good reading skills btw), 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 etc, you’d use ONE. If you’re two, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52 etc, you’d use TWO. If you’re three, 13, 23, 33, 43 etc, you’d use THREE and so on.

If you’re under a year old (I can’t help but feel this blog may not be appropriate, but it’s a free country), 10, 20, 30, 40, you get to use ZERO!

ZERO – : DREAD RISING

ONE – X: TO ALL A GOODNIGHT

TWO – II: MEATFACE’S REVENGE

THREE – 3D!

FOUR – IV: THE FINAL CHAPTER

FIVE – V: THE EVIL LIVES AGAIN

SIX – V!: THE NIGHT HE CAME HOME

SEVEN – VS DEMONIC CLOWN

EIGHT – VIII: IN SPACE

NINE – IX: A NEW BEGINNING

This gives me the now TRULY EPIC The Curse of the Valentine’s Mangler V: The Evil Lives Again!

Oh well, it passed five minutes, didn’t it?

If you haven’t already, do please check out and like the Hickey’s House of Horrors Facebook page, which you can find here. It gives you a nice quick link to any new posts on this blog, plus regular news updates from around the web. I check the Internet so you don’t have to! Alternatively, follow me on twitter: The House@HickeysHorrors

Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.