From Zombos' Closet

Boris and Bela Look Sinister

With the snows still falling, I think I'll perk up the doldrums by planning for the tricks and treats this October.

 

"I'm not sure what to wear for the Halloween Ball this year. How about you?"

Karloff and Lugosi in The Black Cat

An interesting publicity shot for The Black Cat with Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff glaring at each other.

 

More for MonsterKids

Cracked's For Monsters Only Issue 7, April 1969

Cracked Collectors' Edition Those Cracked Monsters July 1980

Cracked's For Monsters Only Issue 1, November 1965

Helen Chandler (Mina in Dracula)

Theater Marquee The Ghost of Frankenstein

Astor Theatre Marquee The Broadway Melody

What's wonderful about this snapshot in time? The two men working on the huge sign (look right above the word "The"), the Chock full o'Nuts, the Lucky Strike "It's Toasted," the various businesses in the building on the right, the crowds in front of the theatre and in front of the Lucky Strike (hey, it's toasted!), and the fellow in the foreground, bottom right, holding a walking stick. The movie may be The Broadway Melody, but damn if this street scene isn't also "all talking, all singing, and all dancing" to the rhythm of the city. Glorious.

Movie Theater Marquee Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man

What I don't quite understand is the "Adults Only" sign in the ticket booth window.

The Leader Theater Mark of Zorro

So times really haven't changed all that much. Sure, movie theaters may no longer dress as elaborate as this one for Mark of Zorror, but swap out that guy dressed up as Zorro, by the ticket booth, for a Darth Vader stationed in front of a modern theater today and you'd feel right at home.  

Victory Theater Marquee: Frankenstein and Dracula

Yes, it's true: Dracula always gets the girl. Frankie's left with his arms empty as usual. The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed the "continuous to 4 a.m. sign." Coffee not included I'm sure. The last time I was in a movie house past midnight was for a Three Stooges and Little Rascals marathon. I'm lucky I can stay up past 8pm these days. But if I had a bag of White Castles, and Nathan's fries, I'd make the attempt for sure.

The Capitol Theater Breaking the Sound Barrier

Seen on eBay. I was outbid. Damn.

Giant Horror Show Standee

I spotted this on eBay. I had thought theater standees were fairly modern in conception. Wrongo. But they certainly didn't carry around cell phones or pocket cameras back then, so I'm guessing this was used more as advertisement than a backdrop for selfies.

Avon Theater Street Scene The Mummy's Hand

Here's a nostalgic scene I first saw on Facebook. I imagine the Avon Theater marquee must have looked sparkling at night.

 

Dr. Silkini's Asylum of Horrors

Dr. Silkini's Asylum of Horrors with the Frankenstein Monster really packed them in.