From the 1920s through the 1950s, Universal Studios was Hollywood’s number one studio for horror pictures, haunting movie theaters worldwide with Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, among others. Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror explores all of these enduring characters, chronicling both the mythology behind the films and offering behind-the-scenes insights into how the films were created. Universal Studios Monsters is the most complete record of the horror films of this legendary studio, with biographies of major personalities who were responsible for the most notable monster melodramas in film history. The stories of these films and their creators are told through interviews with surviving actors and studio employees. A lavish photographic record, including many behind-the-scenes shots, completes the story of how these classics were made. This is a volume no fan of imaginative cinema will want to be without.
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"In Universal Studios Monsters, Michael Mallory has used his encyclopedic knowledge – and dear love – for old-school Universal horror to craft an engaging and informative read. Whether you're an expert or a newcomer to the classic horror scene, there will be something for you here." ~FamousMonstersofFilmland.com
"... a loving overview of the work of the one studio responsible for turning so many monsters into cinematic brand names...Universal Studio Monsters is a frightfully good time." ~SciFiWire.com
"It appears to have covered all the bases, editorial-wise, it's the wealth of illustrated elements that puts any coffee-table tome over the top. In that regard, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS MONSTERS will not disappoint. " ~Bookgasm.com
"... a loving overview of the work of the one studio responsible for turning so many monsters into cinematic brand names...Universal Studio Monsters is a frightfully good time." ~SciFiWire.com
"It appears to have covered all the bases, editorial-wise, it's the wealth of illustrated elements that puts any coffee-table tome over the top. In that regard, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS MONSTERS will not disappoint. " ~Bookgasm.com
About the Author
Michael Mallory is an internationally recognized authority on twentieth-century popular culture and the author of Hanna-Barbera Cartoons, Marvel: The Characters and Their Universe, and X-Men: The Characters and Their Universe. He has written some 400 articles for newspapers and magazines, including several on the monster films of Universal Pictures, for publications such as the Los Angeles Times, Scarlet Street, and Millimeter.
Stephen Sommers is the director of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns.
Stephen Sommers is the director of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns.
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More About the Author
Michael Mallory leads multiple creative lives. In fiction he is best known as the creator of "Amelia Watson," the second wife of Dr. John H. Watson (Sherlock Holmes' friend and "Boswell"), and the eleven-year-old detective "Scotty," whose adventures appeared regularly on the Los Angeles Times Reading Room Page. He is also the author of the stand-alone horror novel, "The Mural." A recognized authority on 20th century pop culture, he is the author of several nonfiction books, including "The Science Fiction Universe and Beyond," "Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror," "X-Men: The Characters and Their Universe," and "Iwao Takamoto: My Life With a Thousand Characters," which Mike co-wrote with the late animation legend Iwao Takamoto. He has published over 120 short stories and more than 500 magazine and newspaper articles. In addition, Mike is a frequent public speaker, a former newscaster, and over the years has been known to take on an acting role or two. Mike lives and works in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
38 of 40 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you need one book about Universal Monsters than it is this one.
January 16, 2010
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
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Length:
0:55
Mins
Great book covering very nicely Universal classic characters and movies. It starts with little history of Universal Studios and continues with silent period and spotlight on Lon Chaney. Every chapter is finished with spotlight on actor or director important for Universal monsters period. Book is so nicely written and it is full with pictures and poster art for all the movies. This book covers a lot but if you need more I am suggesting you get yourself this one Universal Horrors: The Studio's Classic Films, 1931-1946
If you need a book that covers very nicely basics of Universal Studios Monsters than it is certainly this. You will not regret it. :) Enjoy :)
Please check my blog for more reviews: http://themedreviews.blogspot.com/
If you need a book that covers very nicely basics of Universal Studios Monsters than it is certainly this. You will not regret it. :) Enjoy :)
Please check my blog for more reviews: http://themedreviews.blogspot.com/
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent for casual fans, and still a treat for hardcore ones
September 29, 2009
Format:Hardcover
I'm always on the lookout for a good "coffee table" book on my favorite movies. This one fills the bill quite nicely. As expected, the BIG films (Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy) get more attention than the various sequels and minor Universal films. But I was delighted that the book DOES include the lesser-known efforts. While the coverage of the films--even the major ones--may be a bit too brief for hardcore fans, a wealth of beautiful photos more than makes up for this. I especially enjoyed the inclusion of photo reproductions of the movie posters for most of the films discussed in the text.
For those with only a passing familiarity with the Universal Horror story, the book includes a wealth of behind-the-scenes information. There are several "spotlight" sections on individual personalties, and a fine appendix of the studio's leading men and ladies. Each of these sections also feature gorgeous photos that really give the overall volume a very attractive quality. Sure, hardcore fans already know Bela Lugosi's given name, or the fact that Lon Chaney Jr. and frequent co-star Evelyn Ankers hated each other. But even as a long-time fan, I gained a few new insights into the lesser-known films like the 40's "Inner Sanctum" series or the short-lived career of "Jungle Girl" Acquanetta.
For a more in-depth study of the Universal Monsters, Tom Weaver's Universal Horrors: The Studio's Classic Films, 1931-1946 is the way to go. And for sheer visual delight, it's hard to beat Monsters: A Celebration of the Classics from Universal Studios. But this may be the only book on the subject that casual fans need.
For those with only a passing familiarity with the Universal Horror story, the book includes a wealth of behind-the-scenes information. There are several "spotlight" sections on individual personalties, and a fine appendix of the studio's leading men and ladies. Each of these sections also feature gorgeous photos that really give the overall volume a very attractive quality. Sure, hardcore fans already know Bela Lugosi's given name, or the fact that Lon Chaney Jr. and frequent co-star Evelyn Ankers hated each other. But even as a long-time fan, I gained a few new insights into the lesser-known films like the 40's "Inner Sanctum" series or the short-lived career of "Jungle Girl" Acquanetta.
For a more in-depth study of the Universal Monsters, Tom Weaver's Universal Horrors: The Studio's Classic Films, 1931-1946 is the way to go. And for sheer visual delight, it's hard to beat Monsters: A Celebration of the Classics from Universal Studios. But this may be the only book on the subject that casual fans need.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By RJG1999
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a great book for any universal horror fan. It has tons of information and great photos. A must for any fan - new or old. Don't miss it!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Universal Monsters
I never thought that I could be brought back to my childhood love of monsters, but this publication has rekindeled my love and interest in the Universal Studio monster gendra. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Russell49
5.0 out of 5 stars
MONSTERS
I grew up with the classic Universal monsters and this book brings back a lot of happy memories. I had the good fortune to meet my childhood hero, Forrest J. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Carl F. Day
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Classics.
Very informative. I'm thinking about getting another copy, just to keep nice! If you are in any way a Classic Horror movie buff, this is a Must-Have!!!
Published 5 months ago by James R. DiSanto
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Book About A Great Legacy
Thanks to Universal's 100 years, year long celebration and the release of their Universal Monsters: Essential Collection on blu ray, I was feeling nostalgic and wanted to read up... Read more
Published 7 months ago by J. Marshall
3.0 out of 5 stars
Lacking in movie posters
I was looking for a decent written introduction to these films, along with being able to look at the original movie posters, along with some behind the scenes photographs. Read more
Published 8 months ago by nothingt5
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good Introduction To The World of Universal Horror Films
As a new convert to the world of Universal Horror films, I enjoyed this book. However a lot of the information is vague and the book rarely goes into depth of detail on the films... Read more
Published 11 months ago by jackgavin
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good over view of the Universal Studios monsters
Good over view of the Universal Studios monsters. I'm a collector of Frankenstein monster I wish the book had more on him, but it had some monsters that I had forgotten about as a... Read more
Published 22 months ago by D. Pielin
5.0 out of 5 stars
universal studios monsters
WOW! what else can I say? This book is excellent. I would highly recommend this book to any horror/science fiction fan. Sit back, read and enjoy.
Published on March 21, 2011 by john r. tracy
5.0 out of 5 stars
ohhhh! Scary!
A great file of photos and memories from the pre-computer-graphics movie monster days. Enjoyable reading for those of us who remember, or who those want to know more. Read more
Published on December 31, 2010 by N J Carol
5.0 out of 5 stars
brilliant and lovely
*Brilliant* and lovely coffee-table-style book. An absolute must for both diehards and newcomers to the genre. Text alone may be considered superficial yet cursory. Read more
Published on October 27, 2010 by William T. Wiggins
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