From Zombos' Closet

"99 River Street" (1953) Pressbook

The New York Times may have not liked "99 River Street" when it first hit the screens, but John Payne goes against type to deliver a taxi driver caught up to his fare box in murder, two-timing marriage, and pugilistic longings. Thanks to TCM for bringing this little indie gem back into the light. Like William Powell, Payne makes a good heavy when the going gets tough. You can't sing all the time; and, after Miracle on 34th Street, it's nice seeing Payne not being so nice for a change.

Comic reader version: Download 99 River Street Pressbook

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Modern Monsters Issue 4, 1966 Part 2

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Modern Monsters Issue 4, 1966 Part 1

A very good monster magazine for the 1960s, Modern Monsters was more adult with its coverage of horror. In this issue 4, Glenn Strange provides interesting behind-the-scenes tidbits from his horror jaunts, Miniatures-Kill or Cure? is pondered by Bob Villard, and Victor Morrison shows us The Invisible Man and His Friends, or something like that. There's a full color centerfold to pin up, and King Kong and Spy Smasher are examined. At over 80 pages, with pictures galore, and layout that's plain but easy-reading, it's a shame Modern Monsters didn't continue past four issues. (Go to part 2)

Comic reader version: Download Modern Monsters Issue 4

The Invisible Boy (1957) Pressbook

After Forbidden Planet, MGM needed another film to make use of Robby the Robot to help balance their books. That's where The Invisible Boy comes into the picture. It's an odd mix of science fiction and kid-fare, so the script is very 1950s. But delve a little deeper and you'll find one of the screens more interesting and foreboding narratives about artificial intelligence and menacing technology. Robby is actually from the future (a nod to Forbidden Planet), but it takes Timmie, the lonely and misunderstood boy whose parents are eggheads times ten, to reassemble the robot after the supercomputer gives him the smarts. Unbeknownst to the boy, his newfound robotic playmate is under the control of the supercomputer, and that bit of technology has sinister plans for mankind. The Invisible Boy may be dated by its 1950s manners and mores, but deep down, there's a prescient message for all us Timmies. 

Comic viewer version: Download The Invisible Boy Pressbook

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The Three Fantastic Supermen (1967) Mexican Lobby Card

It's not one, not two, but three fantastic supermen in this Italian movie. And there were sequels, taking our superheroes around the world. Though, with those utility belts, they looked more like Batman than Superman.

La Casa Del Terror (1960) Mexican Lobby Card

House of Terror, with Lon Chaney Jr. and comedian Tin Tan, involves a wax museum, a mummy that changes into a werewolf when the full moon rises, and a mad doctor of course. 

The Mugger (1958) Mexican Lobby Card

A striking Mexican lobby card for The Mugger with James Franciscus and Kent Smith.

The Walking Dead (1936) Mexican Lobby Card

Michael Curtiz (Casablanca) directs Boris Karloff in The Walking Dead.

Gun Crazy (1950) Mexican Lobby Card

You haven't seen film noir until you've seen Gun Crazy. This Mexican lobby card captures the explosive movie through color and framing. The expressions on husband and wife in the illustration say it all.

Sherlock Holmes Smokes Chesterfields Magazine Advertisement

Sherlock Holmes kept his cigars in a coal-scuttle. I'm not sure where he kept his cigarettes. When a problem vexed him, though, he would usually reach for his pipe, usually the oily black clay one, puffing away three pipe-fulls before the solution would present itself. Here's Basil Rathbone, one of the best Holmes actors, enjoying a Chesterfield and promoting his movie Dressed to Kill.

Gene Autry for Smith-Corona Magazine Advertisement

It's been a while since I've posted on vintage days type stuff. I like old magazine advertisements. A little nostalgic, a little revealing, sometimes made more interesting with notable movie stars. This one with Gene Autry hawking his script writer's Smith-Corona typewriter is wonderful. I like Gene Autry. I miss typing on my Smith-Corona. Not too much, but just enough. I don't miss carbon paper, messy typewriter ribbons, and grumbling through erasing inky letters. Thank the lord for the introduction of the carbon ribbon and replaceable type wheels. Somehow, plopping down a booze bottle and shot glass next to a computer keyboard isn't as romantic as pouring and drinking that shot, as you lean back in thought or desperation, from your Smith-Corona typewriter.

Monsters and Heroes First Issue, 1967

In this first issue of Larry Ivie's Monsters and Heroes you will find a very opinionated History of Frankenstein, a loving remembrance of Heroes of Radio, and a fond nod to Johnny Sheffield. There are also lots of photos to see in Darkest Africa (1936), Republic Pictures first serial (later cut into Bat Men of Africa (1966), and From Comix to Film. The magazine is a bit rough with typewritten paragraphs and unnecessary title pages, but lots of coverage here and no punny humor to sidetrack the coverage. 

Comic reader version: Download Monsters and Heroes First Issue

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