David J. Skal

Mysteries Mean Dark Corners

Video essay about the 1927 film 'The Cat and the Canary'.

Boris Karloff: The Rest of the Story

Boris Karloff: The Rest of the Story takes a deeper look at the life and career of Boris Karloff, from 1931 to 1969, exploring films such as The Ghoul, The Walking Dead (1936), Charlie Chan at the Opera (1936), the Mr Wong series, The Climax (1944), Lured (1947), The Strange Door (1951), Grip of the Strangler and Corridors of Blood(1958), The Comedy of Terrors (1963), The Curse of the Crimson Altar (1968), the Mexican quartet, some of his major TV appearances (The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., Wild Wild West, I-Spy) as well as taking a deep look at his often ignored Broadway career in the 1940s and 50's. There is also much time devoted to Karloff's more personal side and his relationship with his daughter, Sara.

Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster

Beginning just before his debut as Frankenstein’s creation, this documentary compellingly explores the life and legacy of a cinema legend, presenting a perceptive history of the genre he personified. Karloff's films were long derided as hokum and attacked by censors, but his phenomenal popularity and pervasive influence endures, inspiring some of our greatest actors and directors into the 21st Century – among them Guillermo Del Toro, Ron Perlman, Roger Corman, and John Landis, all of whom and many more contribute their personal insights and anecdotes.

The Birds: Hitchcock's Monster Movie

This documentary short explores the origins of the monster movie and how Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" (1963) fits in the genre.

The Real Vampire Files

From myths to monsters to Twilight. Where did 'Vampire' come from? Where is it today? And where is it going next?

Vampira: The Movie

Vampira The Movie chronicles the story of Malia "Vampira" Nurmi living on the very edge of show business and her rise to celluloid cultdom 50 years later. Her big break came in 1954 when she played the "glamour ghoul" Vampira, emerging from the mist to greet viewers of obscure horror movies on the new medium - television. Her newfound fame led to friendships with Marlon Brando, James Dean and Anthony Perkins. But Vampira's show was abruptly cancelled. Nurmi appeared as Vampira again in the 1959 low-budget horror / sci-fi film, Plan 9 from Outer Space, directed by Edward D Wood Jr. and often dubbed "the worst film of all time." But you can't keep a good vampire down and Nurmi's character rose from the dead again in 1993's Ed Wood, directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp. The movie renewed interest in Maila Nurmi and she has since achieved a Bettie Page-like cult status.

Hitchcocked!

A tribute to the work of Alfred Hitchcock, featuring contemporary filmmakers, writers, performers, and cultural critics.

Night Terrors: The Origins of Wes Craven's Nightmares

A look at the importance of dreams in relation to Wes Craven's successful A Nightmare on Elm Street horror franchise.

The Perfect Scary Movie

A documentary looking at the various conventions and scare techniques of the horror genre.

Hollywood's Creepiest Creatures

Elvira hosts this humorous look at movie monsters and facts about the real animals on which they're based. Included: clips from films; and interviews with scientists and various showbiz types, including directors John Carpenter and John Landis, and actors Jeff Goldblum and Roy Scheider.

Ed Gein: The Ghoul of Plainfield

Documentary about the real life inspiration behind "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," serial killer Ed Gein.

Tod Browning's 'Freaks': The Sideshow Cinema

Documentary recounting the making of Tod Browning's Freaks. Featuring interviews with experts and actual sideshow performers, this film gives a fascinating insight into the cast members, production and public reaction to this controversial classic.

The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster

The history of Frankenstein's journey from novel to stage to screen to icon.

Now You See Him: 'The Invisible Man' Revealed!

A documentary from Universal about the movie "The Invisible Man" (1933) directed by James Whale.

Back to the Black Lagoon: A Creature Chronicle

Documentary about the making of and legacy of The Creature from the Black Lagoon included in The Legacy Collection box set.

Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters!

A documentary from Universal about the movie Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein.

The Road to 'Dracula'

A documentary from Universal about the movie "Dracula" (1931) starring Bela Lugosi.

Vampires: Thirst for the Truth

A documentary that explores man's enduring fascination with the vampire legend by examining historical accounts, literary works, and as they are portrayed in film and television.

All Over

As a famous man lies dying, his family—including both his wife and his mistress—gathers inside, while members of the media converge outside for news of his death in this filmed-for-television staging of Edward Albee's play.