Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror

(Author), Stephen Sommers (Foreword)

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

Product Description

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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Product Details

• Hardcover: 252 pages
• Publisher: Universe (September 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789318962
• ISBN-13: 978-0789318961
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #24,694 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 10 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 (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book for the monster lover, September 17, 2009

By	Deborah Verlen "Deborah" (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great gift for the spooky one!, February 8, 2010

By	Snickerdoodle (Florida) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

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...