Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror [Hardcover]

Michael Mallory (Author), Stephen Sommers (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 8, 2009

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: Universe (September 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789318962
• ISBN-13: 978-0789318961
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 1 x 12.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #631,530 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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 appear regularly on the Los Angeles Times Reading Room Page. A recognized authority on 20th century pop culture, he is the author of several nonfiction books, including "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 one-hundred short stories and more than 400 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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 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

By 

Almir Sadovic (Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegowina) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror (Hardcover)

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/

13 of 15 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

By 

A. Gammill (West Point, MS United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror (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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant and lovely, October 27, 2010

By 

William T. Wiggins (New Jersey) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror (Hardcover)

*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. The story of the studio's fantastic-themed output is laid out simply, chronologically, without too much pontification. Mallory does takes note to debunk a myth or two along the way (Chaney's actual real name; Karloff and Lugosi's working relationship; etc) and generally lays out a factual if fanboy-ish timeline of the films. Standing alone the text might not have been five-star material, but paired with page after page of superb stills, any quibbles would be minor. (One aside on the photos: my memory had classed Lon Chaney, Jr as a fat, lunkheaded slob ... but dude is the quite the dapper dandy in pix from his "leading man" roles! I stand corrected, Lon!)