Covering the classics from 1935 to 1985, 50 Years of Ghost Movies clearly shows the evolution of the genre from all its facets, including comedy, suspense, mystery, and horror. Each film listed in chronological order by year, and alphabetized for easy reference is described in flash-format with a brief synopsis, while others are spotlighted and reviewed in full. In addition, suggestions for other movies and ghost-themed novels are provided to fans seeking similar material to augment their personal favorites. Celeb-watchers will enjoy the special, never-before-published interview with Ghostbusters' star Ernie Hudson, plus the dozens of exclusive quotes from actors and directors revealing their own personal preferred ghost movies find out the faves of Tobe Hooper (director, Poltergeist), Jim Carrey (actor, The Number 23), Linda Blair (actor, The Exorcist), and many, many more. Numerous sidebars sprinkled throughout the book reveal interesting factoids about Haunted Hollywood, Ghostly TV Shows, Celebrity Haunts, and beyond.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
For those of us who rank ghost stories among our favorite horror subgenres, there's never been a better time to be a fan. Japanese directors like Takashi (Ju-on) Shimizu and Hideo (Ring) Nakata have reinvigorated the form to such a degree that both men were recently called upon to direct U.S. versions of their overseas hits, thereby exposing themselves and their original products to a vast international audience. But J-horror isn't the only game in town. American and European filmmakers alike have re-entered the fray with a vengeance; just take a look at last year's After Dark HorrorFest. The Abandoned, Unrest, and The Gravedancers were recognized by most as the best of the fest along with Shimizu's Reincarnation. All revolve around restless spirits and put a fresh spin on a tired subject. And already only three months into 2007 we've seen The Messengers (not so fresh) and Dead Silence (a classic in the making if there ever was one) in theatres and a slew of direct-to-DVD offerings like Bloody Mary, Dead Mary, Mary Had a Bloody Dead Lamb . . . Okay, so I made that last one up, but you get my drift. Ghosts rule! But this is hardly a new craze. Spooky specters have been gracing the silver screen for longer than just about any other horror cliché, and now, thanks to Staci Layne Wilson, we have a definitive resource guide that lays them out for us in neat chronological order: 50 Years of Ghost Movies. The 50 years covered are 1935 to 1985, "golden" times in cinema indeed. From first entry The Fantasy of the Monastary to a little-known Spanish version of The Turn of the Screw that closes out the book on Page 138, every film released from January 1935 to December 1985 that has anything to do with "the soul or spirit of a deceased person" is included here. They are further broken down alphabetically by year with some films summarized in just a few choice words and others given a more lengthy paragraph. A few -- the cream of the crop like screwball favorite Topper, Boris --Debi Moore, Dread Central
About the Author
Staci Layne Wilson is a multi-faceted novelist, movie reviewer and entertainment reporter. She's an Active Member of the L.A. Press Club, International Press Academy and The Horror Writers Association. Ms. Wilson has reviewed movies for TV-Wire, Bold, Buzzine, Unleashed, The New York Times' About.com, Fantastica Daily, Horror.com, L'Ecran Fantastique, SciFi Weekly, and the Cinescape magazine online portal. She is the award-winning author of Dark Lullaby, Ghost Writer, Horses by eMail, and Animal Movies Guide. In support of this book and the genre, she is available for TV appearances and DVD commentary. The door is always open at her home on the Web: www.staciwilson.com
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun read and good reference guide,
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This review is from: 50 Years Of Ghost Movies (Paperback)
"50 Years of Ghost Movies" is a guide to ghost films from 1935-85. It begins with a note from the author, Staci Layne Wilson, explaining her love of ghost tales and how she defines a ghost. Some may disagree on films included or excluded in the guide as Wilson has chosen her own definition of ghost as a spirit that was once a human or an animal. So the vampires in SALEM'S LOT are in, demonic possession in THE EXORCIST is not.There is also a brief summary of how ghost tales have differed over the decades. The 1920-30s had more romantic themes, 30s, 40s, and 60s were more comedic, and the 50s were more somber. And of course, the 70s & 80s had the ghosts evolving into slashers and were much gorier than their predecessors. My favorite! The guide includes ghost film staples like THE POLTERGEIST, THE SHINING, DON'T LOOK NOW, and LET'S SCARE JESSICA TO DEATH. But it also includes some foreign films like the classic RASHOMON & KWAIDON, and even pervy delights from Jess Franco and Jean Rollin! Classic old school ghost movies include reviews on TOPPER, THE GHOST AND MS. MUIR, and Hitchcock's REBECCA. Rounding out the movie guide are quotes from ghost films, celebrities recounting their favorite ghost movies, haunted Hollywood attractions, and an interview with Ernie Hudson (GHOSTBUSTERS). But my favorite celebrity quote has to be from David Lynch who, when asked what his favorite ghost movie was, replied, [long pensive, Lynchian pause....thinking....thinking...] I don't know. My only gripe is that there were only a few reviews, which means I was only treated to a few lines describing the synopsis of most of the movies. The book is rather slim and comes in at only 140 pages. If all the films had reviews to accompany them and alphabetical index in the back for reference, this could be the perfect reference guide for lovers of ghost films. Posters, screenshots, or DVD artwork would have been a nice addition too. Favorite Quote: "There is no life, my darling, until you love and have been loved. And then there is no death." - Jennie in PORTRAIT OF JENNIE. Bottom Line: "50 Years of Ghost Movies" was a fun read and had me jotting down a few films it got me interested in. The book only covers the years 1935-85, but leaves us waiting for "Modern Ghost Movies," which is coming out soon.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wanna see dead people?,
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This review is from: 50 Years Of Ghost Movies (Paperback)
Horror aficionado, Staci Layne Wilson, has produced a very comprehensive guide to what you need to view on those nights when you need a good spooking. With a listing of every possible ghost movie from the mid-30's to the mid-80's, this book will give you an idea of what exactly will satisfy the craving for a haunted story.As well as the chronological/alphabetical listing of ghost films, Wilson provides us with various fun facts that pop up every few pages. A regular on the red carpet while compiling this book, Staci had the chance to ask various celebrities what their favorite ghost movies are, the most popular choices being "The Shining," "Poltergeist," and "The Haunting." A movie critic herself, Wilson actually admits that she has never been as much in love with "The Haunting" as most seem to be. Other interesting blurbs that show up in her book are lists of haunted sites in Los Angeles, as well as prominent quotes from many of the ghost movies. An added ghostly bonus to Wilson's book is an exclusive interview with Ernie Hudson, star of the funniest apparition movie of all time, "Ghostbusters."
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow! What a great bunch of information!`,
This review is from: 50 Years Of Ghost Movies (Paperback)
Author and movie reviewer, Staci Layne Wilson, has put together a definitive guide to everything ghostly! I read this book cover to cover and thoroughly enjoyed it. The sidebars were often amusing, always interesting. My memory has been jarred, and I'm already looking online to purchase some of the older movies I'd forgotten and would like to see again, along with a few I hadn't heard of but would like to see. This book will stay in the living room on the coffee table for my own use and for the enjoyment of my guests. Highly recommended!
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