Countdown To Halloween, Day 20: HAPPY BIRTHDAY BELA LUGOSI!

a portrait of Bela, by the brilliant Basil Gogos


me with the Bela Lugosi as Dracula wax figure at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, NYC

Born Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó on October 20, 1882, Bela Lugosi went on to become one of the most famous horror film actors in history. Bursting onto the screen as Dracula, Bela was an immediate star. Starring in over 100+ films, Bela has left a legacy behind for future generations to enjoy! As a treat I am posting a very nice fan-made tribute to Bela Lugosi. Happy Birthday Bela!!

Countdown To Halloween, Day 19: Grim Grinning Ghosts by The Family Ghouls

Here is a video by The Family Ghouls doing a rendition of Grim Grinning Ghosts from Disney's Haunted Mansion attraction. Using footage from several Disney cartoons and random other Haunted Mansion footage, it's a fun little video for a fun little song. (P.S., The Family Ghouls is actually just me, it's my solo musical project where I perform all the instruments as well as sing!) Enjoy!

Countdown To Halloween, Day 18: Samhain - Archangel

For those Misfits and Danzig fans out there, here is a video of Samhain, Glenn Danzig's musical project the spanned the time between The Misfits and Danzig. Filmed live at the Stardust Ballroom, it shows how chaotic this shows were back then. Still, a great song from an amazing band, enjoy!

Countdown To Halloween, Day 17: Betty Boop, Hallowe'en Party

This animated short was released in 1933, and is considered one of the Max Fleisher banned cartoons, although for what reason I have no idea. Another classic vintage cartoon for the Halloween season!

Countdown To Halloween, Day 16: This Is Halloween decorations

Ok, so I'm all for Halloween decorations, and this is pretty impressive, but how much must this guy's neighbors hate him? I'll give it to them though, this is pretty awesome. Enjoy!

Countdown To Halloween, Day 15: Vintage Halloween Pin-Ups!

Here are some more vintage Halloween pin-ups for you!

Countdown To Halloween, Day 14: The Three Stooges, The Ghost Talks

Moe, Larry and Shemp are moving men assigned to the haunted Smorgasbord Castle. All goes well until a clanking suit of armor inhabited by the ghost of Peeping Tom (voiced by Phil Arnold) instructs the Stooges to leave him be. Shemp, Larry and Moe all take turns trying to move Tom but he spooks the Stooges away. After finally gaining their trust, Tom tells the trio the story of how he is waiting for Lady Godiva. Enjoy!

Countdown To Halloween, Day 13: The Ghastly Ones, Haulin Hearse

One of my favorite surf bands, merging the surf sounds with spooky images, The Ghastly Ones have definitely made an impact on the horror rock community, as well as the surf music scene. Here is the music video for their song "Haulin' Hearse", featured on their debut album "A Haunting We Will Go-Go".

Countdown To Halloween, Day 12: Halloween by Kay Lande and Wade Denning

This is a very cool stop-motion animation, created by Jason Willis using his iPhone and accompanied by the Halloween classic tunes "Halloween" by Wade Denning and Kay Lande. I've always loved this song, ever since I was a little boy, and this animated short is perfect for it, well done Jason!

Countdown To Halloween, Day 11: Season's Greetings

Here is a short animated film by Michael Dougherty, the man who eventually made the instant Halloween classic Trick 'R Treat. Here is the short film that inspired not only the film, but it's main central character, Sam. Enjoy!