Customer Reviews

Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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 :)

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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.

*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!)

So, in times when computers and massive special effects seem to dominate movie making, taking a glimpse back to the times when real artists made real works of art. If you like cinema this book is one "must". These artists built hollywood and you have to know about them. Besides, nowadays filmakers often look back to this artists and make tributes to them (Benicio del Toro's Werwolf for example, Coppola's Dracula, etc.). If you are a movie fan, this is a book that completes the cinema experience.

I gave this book as a gift for my hubby (Birthday on Halloween) and he LOVES it! I enjoy looking through it as well... The book is perfect for anyone who is a fan and can appreciate old classic horror movies. It has great full page photos of many classic actors in and OUT of makeup/character. That is rare to find. The price was wonderful as well. Its almost doubled in stores...

Universal Studios Monsters A Legacy Of Horror by Michael Mallory. This brand new 2009 book is a welcome addition to any Universal Classic Monsters fan. Mr. Mallory reviews these films from the silent 1920's to the 1950's. Starting with The Hunchback of Notre Dame with Lon Chaney Sr. and ending with the Creature from the Black Lagoon series. This book offers many great behind the scenes photos along with interesting stories and facts. Also covered are the Abbott and Costello monster comedies, with side spotlights on actor Dwight Frye, director James Whale, makeup artist Jack Pierce and music composer Hans Salter. Plus much more. A must for any monster fan! I give it a big thumbs up. Nicholas Sassatelli Hobe Sound, Florida

Michael Mallory has written a nice detailed book full of tidbits and glimpses into the Universal Studio monsters and their legacy of horror.

The avid (key word "avid") horror film buff probably won't find a lot of new facts, photos, and information, but the book is a great review and for those who are fans of the horror genre this is sure to satisfy.

Chapters include Dracula, the Mummy, Frankenstein, Wolf Man, and more. Each chapter has a short discussion of the films featuring the monster along with information about what went on behind the scenes. Great photos will bring back the movies in living black and white. You'll once again understand why the Mummy fascinates, Gill Man catches your fancy, and why Frankenstein, Dracula and Wolf Man endure!

Whether you keep this book out on your coffee table for all to see or file it in your bookcase for reference, you'll enjoy reliving the highlights of the Monsters Universal Studios developed.

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!

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 child. Wish it had more pics, but the pics it did have were good. The book had info from the start of filming monsters in the silent era. Had good info "stoplight" on such actors as Lon Chaney, Bela Lugosi, Boris Karlof,and Lon Chaney to name a few.

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.