Ringing in the Season!

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I hope to post some new reviews for this merry time of year. I will let everyone know as soon as I do!

My Hallowe'en Guide to Cartoons

When I was much younger, I used to watch several of these cartoons when I came home from school -- right before my candy adventures with friends and family. It's hard to find and purchase some of these Hallowe'en specials due to their age, but if you are able to obtain a copy, they will be an added treasure in your holiday collection.

Cartoons and Animated Specials

• Disney's Halloween Treat (1982) - In kindergarten (yes, that long ago), I came home from school and this special became a staple to my Hallowe'en traditions. A long time ago we had a copy of it on VHS, but it has been lost for over a decade now. From my recollection, the Disney Channel would air this on Hallowe'en Day for the youngsters.  The special played clips from older Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Pluto cartoons.  Again, this was before Disney turned to the dark side. The little ghouls will love this special (and so will the big kids who remember it)!

• Donald Duck's Treat or Treat (1952) - I believe it's part of the Disney's Halloween Treat, but it's one of my favorite cartoons. Donald Duck's nephews come to trick-or-treat at their uncle's house, but they seem to unable to retrieve any treats. A witch and a perky broom come to the little ducks aid! It's a short film and a cute one, at that. 
  
  
• Garfield's Halloween Adventure (1985) - I watch this every Hallowe'en! If you don't already know the lasagna eating cat, this is a perfect introduction to this animated character. Gafield wants candy, candy, candy, candy! He dsesses up as a pirate and drags Odie, the dog, through the streets to obtain is sugary treasure. Based off of the book Garfield in Disguise, you'll definitely get a kick out of this musical special! I also read an hilarious review by X-Entertainment (refer here), which gives a comical in-depth review about Garfield's Halloween Adventure.
  
  
• Halloween is Grinch Night! (1977) - Another favorite! We all know about how the Grinch stole Christmas, but did you know that he had his own special night where he frightens the inhabitants of Whoville? The Whoville citizens lock up their homes on this one, terrifying night when the Sour-Sweet wind blows! However, Euchariah isn't scared! He tries to stall the Grinch in the mountains to protect the Whos. In 1977, the special received an Outstanding Animated Program Emmy Award. Sing along with the Grinch and the Whos this Hallowe'en! 
  
  
• It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! (1966) - This is a Hallowe'en classic and if you haven't seen it before, you need to. Linus believes in the Great Pumpkin, a holiday figure who would be more popular if he had some publicity. As long as you sit in the pumpkin patch on Hallowe'en night, the Great Pumpkin may grace you with presence and some gifts. While most of Charlie Brown's friends believe Linus to be hokey, Sally waits with Linus in the pumpkin patch. Certainly, this is a Hallowe'en staple that my whole family watches every year and you will, too! It's a shame that this is the only animated program they air during Hallowe'en primetime.
  
  
• Raggedy Ann and Andy and The Pumpkin Who Couldn't Smile (1979) - Lost the shadows of time, I believe this animated special should be included still in Hallowe'en tv programming. Who can forget Raggedy Ann and Andy? I love this holiday animated feature! Raggedy Ann and Andy bring together a child and a abandoned pumpkin on Hallowe'en night.  Don't fear Aunt Agatha, she may surprise you. if you can find a copy of it, watch it this Hallowe'en.
  
  
• South Park: Halloween Specials (1997 - 2006) - If you are one for adult humor, you will find South Park's Halloween Specials to satisfy your need for ghoulish comedy. "Pinkeye (1997)," "Spookyfish (1998)," "Korn's Groovy Ghost Pirate Mystery (1999)," and "Hell On Earth (2006)" are awesome episodes that take Stan, Cartman, Kyle, Kenny, and the town of South Park through some strange, creepy adventures. Of course, it's great to watch after the trick-or-treaters turn in for the night and the grown-ups begin their Hallowe'en parties. Reminisce with early South Park and laugh your way through Hallowe'en.

• King of the Hill: "Hilloween" S2E4 (1996) - One of the funniest Hallowe'en animated episodes. Hank wants Bobby, his son, to experience the same fantastic Hallowe'en extravagance as he once did. So Hank, Bill, Dale, and Boomhauer build a haunted house at the middle school. Things go haywire when Junie Harper, an overly opinionated church member, tries to rid of Hallowe'en -- telling the youngsters and teens that it's a Satanist holiday. Hank Hill has none of this! Fun to watch with friends during you Hallowe'en festivities.

• The Halloween Tree (1993) - Based off of Ray Bradbury's novel The Halloween Tree, Cartoon Network this animated special in the early 90s. Bradbury even narrates the story! Four children, Tom, Jenny, Ralph, and Wally, wait for their dear friend Pipkin to complete their Hallowe'en Night, yet he never shows. They think he may be pulling a prank on him so they go to the edge of town to continue their tricks and treats. On their way, they notice that Pip's house is bare and dark. An omniscient ambulance waits curiously in the shadows. The four friends take a shortcut to the hospital, after the ambulance recedes into the night. Will Pip be alright to enjoy this Hallowe'en? Great for all ages, though it may seem scary to the very little ones. The made-for-TV movie follows the traditions and history of Hallowe'en.

• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1949) - When Disney came out with their animated version if Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, they really did a superb job scaring the life out of me! Bing Crosby voices Ichabod Crane. Irving's ghost story is an American Classic and it's become a favorite in my Hallowe'en collection. The story has all the elements of greatness: romance, rivalry, and supernatural occurences -- Disney really recaptures such eerieness with a family-friendly rendition.

• The Simpsons: Tree House of Horror (1990 - 2010) - Of course, there is Tree House of Horror, which I absolutely love and enjoy. There are so many episodes, it is hard to recount each Simpson moment, but I try to rewatch all of them come this time of year. They used to sell a Tree House of Horror compliation, but I suppose it was hard to keep up with the Simpsons series since its an ongoing program. Although I wasn't allowed to view The Simpsons as a child, I am glad I went ahead and discovered them in high school (I know, it's weird).

• Witch's Night Out (1978) - One of the rarest animated Hallowe'en specials to grab a copy that is not an extremely expensive VHS! To my knowledge, they have not released it to DVD yet. Though it aired on NBC, it was created in Canada. Tender and Small, two children who want to go to the Hallowe'en party at an abandoned mansion, encounter a witch who turns them into a werewolf and ghost. She even transforms their babysitter, Bazooey, into a Frankenstein monster! However, an angry mob appears when they uncover the monsters in the town. This movie encourages that we embrace the true spirit of Hallowe'en -- having fun. For the kids and the kids-at-heart, you will enjoy this unique cartoon.

My Hallowe'en Guide to Local Attractions

Local Attractions

Since I live around the greater Philadelphia region, here are some great attractions to visit during October.

Pennsylvania -

• Valley of Fear and The Original Haunted Hayride - Feasterville - My friend is an actual participant in this year's Valley of Fear. It has awesome reviews about the realistic make-up and frightening costumes. They have three haunted attractions: a haunted hayride, two haunted house tour, and a walk through forest maze. They also have a Frightful Family Admission Pack  (four all events tickets for the price of three). Check out their website for more information.
• Terror Behind the Walls - Eastern State Penitentiary - Philadelphia - I am going here for the first time next week! Maybe I'll see you there! This is supposed to be crazily scary. Legends about the Eastern State include several murderers that still haunt the jail including the infamous Al Capone. They also have daytime prison tours for those who don't like haunted houses, but love local history.
• Dracula's Ball - Philadelphia - My friends go to Dracula's Ball every year and every year, they come back bragging about how they have an incredible time. This October 30th, Shampoo will hold their annual ball. All ages welcome. Great DJs, awesome bands, and other wonderful entertainers participate in this event. This year's live performances include Red This Ever and Seraphim. FAQs and pricing are included on their official website. Stay out late this Mischief Night and have a fantastic time at Dracula's Ball. 
• Bates Motel - Glen Mills - My college friends would return from the Bates Motel scared yet, satisfied.  Based off of Hollywood's most fearful movies, the Bates Motel brings them to life in this high-tech attraction. Although the Bates Motel is the main show, they also feature a haunted hayride and corn maze. One of the best haunts in the area; feel free to check them out.
• Brat Productions - Halloween Performances - Philadelphia  Last year I saw Haunted Poe and I was so impressed, I recommend Brat Productions Hallowe'en inspired performances to every person I encounter. For October 2010, Brat Productions will be staging Stephen King's Carrie, but with a comic and musical twist! They encourage those interested to come dressed in PROM ATTIRE! You may check out reviews and previews on their official website. Get your ticket before the sell out!

New Jersey -

• Indian Acres Tree Farm - Haunted Attractions - Medford - Indian Acres adds more exciting attractions each year. They have a haunted cornfield, a graveyard, and a terrifying hayride. Attractions for the little kiddies include pumpkin picking, bouncy playground, wagon rides, and much more. They also have great group rates.
• The Witches Ball - Mount Holly - Last year, we planned to go to The Witches Ball since Hallowe'en was on a Saturday. This year, they planned the event earlier (a surprise by some). I hear rave reviews about this event and how much fun it is. You must be 21 to enter and decked in costume attire. There is a costume contest, music, dancing, and even a movie showing. Great for people who love masquerading!
  
• Psycho Trail - Lumberton - Right in the heart of Lumberton sits a creepy trail that only weirdos dare to tread. Free parking included on site. You are lead through four horrifying attractions and on certain dates during October. If you go to the website, under the Events section you will find information about special rates including a schedule of exciting visits by a ghost research society and live bands!
• Halloween Parade - Medford - On Mischief Night, visit Medford and their Hallowe'en lights! When I was little, I would go to this event every year with my family and it was magical. Sponsored by the Medford-Vincentown Rotary, the parade starts around 7:00 pm and the route follows down Main Street. The parade is approximately 2h30  long (judging by last years itinerary). The parade includes individual marchers, group marches, floats, antique cars, fire trucks, and bands from around the area. Make this Mischief Night fun by visiting Medford's Halloween Parade!
• Johnson's Corner Farm - Medford - For every age! Pumpkin picking, apple picking, corn mazes, apple cider donuts, and apple cider slushies! A fun time by all. They even have a petting farm. Reasonable prices and great group rates! Check them out this October.
• Springdale Farms - Cherry Hill - Corn Mazes, pumpkin picking hayrides, perfect pies, and wonderful Hallowe'en decorations! Our school would participate on an evening hayride and a bonfire for s'mores. Great place to bring the children!
• Night of Terror - Mullica Hill - My friend goes to Creamy Acres every year to experience Night of Terror. Voted Best Haunted Attraction the last five years by People's Choice, this place is highly recommended for those who crave terror's rush. They have six attractions frightful attractions including a haunted hayride and corn maze. You will definitely experience your money's worth while visiting Night of Terror at Creamy Acres.
• Prison Haunt - Mount Holly - Made famous by SyFys Ghost Hunters, the Mount Holly's Historical County Prison will be holding their annual Haunted Prison attraction. Each night they will have ghost researchers on site. Visit this famous prison and check out their website to see their upcoming special events!  

Databases for Festivals and Haunted Houses:

Festivals by State and Month

Haunted World 

Check out to see if your state has any hauntings! Shadowlands Haunted Places Index

My Hallowe'en Guide to Old Movies

Black and Whites and Other Old Movies (in no particular order)


Not to sound preachy, but I do feel some older movies are under-appreciated by our youth. More than ten years ago, popular television stations would broadcast these movies during prime-time.  Now, we have stations like Turner Classic Movies that resurrects and restores these classics. The AMC Channel shows more popular gore flicks, while TCM goes into obscure, and even silent, films (sidenote: AMC used to be that way, but that was long ago before the commercials). Older films are like fine wine, you just need to know where to look:

• Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) - Starring Carey Grant, Priscilla Lane, Raymond Massey, and Peter Lorre. This movie was an adaptation of Joseph Kesselring's play. Mortimer Brewster, a sour drama critic, marries the girl of his dreams on Halloween night. When he comes home to tell his aunts the wonderful news, he learns they have been poisoning their tenants. This is a wonderful comedy that everyone will enjoy. Carey Grant's performance is phenomenal! 

• Bell, Book and Candle (1958) - Starring Jimmy Stewart (see Vertigo), Kim Novac (see Vertigo), Jack Lemmon (Some Like It Hot), and Elsa Lancaster (Mary Poppins).  First opened as a play in 1950, this movie takes place in Greenwich Village where a modern witch who initially casts a lovespell on a customer and then,  falls in-love with him. I saw this film on TCM while I was sick. I am so glad they televised it! It's an adorable story with comical performances by Jack Lemmon and Elsa Lancaster! If you are looking for a bubbly, romantic movie -- this is the movie to watch! 

• Masque of the Red Death (1964) - I am a Poe enthusiast and if you want to see Edgar Allan Poe's stories performed well, anything with Vincent Price will certainly satisfy your hunger for suspense. If you never seen or enjoyed a Vincent Price (Edward Scissorhands) film, then you must begin with The Masque of the Red Death. During an epidemic, a greedy prince allows only his aristocratic friends to stay in his castle while he refuses refuge to his frightened peasants. He holds an extravagant masque (a.k.a. a costume ball) for his guests, but soon notices an unwanted stranger in their amidst.  Don't judge this movie by it's date!  It's really menacing. Starring Vincent Price, Hazel Court, Jane Asher, and David Weston. 

• House of Usher (1960) - Another Poe short story comes to life! Starring Vincent Price, Mark Damon, Myrna Fahey, and Harry Ellerbe. After Philip returns from an arduous journey, he visits the Usher house to see his love, Madeline. When Madeline and her brother, Roderick, begin to behave oddly, Philip believes it has something to do with the family's past. 

• The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966) -Starring Don Knotts (Andy Griffith Show) and Joan Staley. Luther Heggs, typesetter for the Rachel Courier Express, is asked to stay in the old Simmons mansion where the town's famous murder-suicide took place twenty years prior. Heggs becomes a local celebrity until it's inheritor tries to sue him. This is a comedy filled with temperamental ghosts and old organs. A very deserving addition to any Hallowe'en collection. 

• The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947) - This movie is meant for the romantics. Starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison (My Fair Lady). Lucy Muir moves into a seaside cottage in 1900. As she becomes settled into the house, she encounters the cottage's original owner, Captain Gregg.  Mrs. Muir tries everything to cast out Captain Gregg, but he refuses to leave. They come to an agreement and later, transforms into friendship. When a love interest begins to visit, Mrs. Muir must confront her romantic feelings about the captain.  

• The Ghost Breakers (1940) - Starring Bob Hope. Once a play, then filmed twice as a silent, and again, remade two more times in 1940 and 1953 (starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in Scared Stiff) -- The Ghost Breaker has gotten around in Hollywood and I suggest you watch this comedy. A radio broadcaster and a beautiful heiress become wrapped in scandal when they meet perchance in a hotel. Even at it's "scariest" moments, Hope cracks a joke and sends me laughing.  Also featuring Paulette Goddard, Anthony Quinn, and Willie Best.

• The Haunting (1963) - Based off of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House and starring Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, and Russ Tamblyn (West Side Story). A doctor, trying to scientifically prove the existence of ghosts, lures a bunch of paranormal believers into a supposed haunted house. As they explore the estate, the house begins to play on their insecurities. The 1999 remake, starring Liam Neeson, Lili Taylor, Owen Wilson, and Catherine Zeta-Jones (The Haunting), is nothing like the original. This movie will surely make you question the line between the normal and the insane.

• The Nanny (1965) - Now, this movie right here, made me fear babysitters, especially nannies! Later in Bette Davis' career, she began to appear in more psycho-biddy themed films like Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?  and  Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte (which I also recommend). The Nanny is one of her best movies, in my humble opinion, and it is downright terrifying!  Nanny is in charge of Joey Fane, a boy accused of drowning his kid sister, after he returns home from a mental institution. Joey refuses to eat or sleep near Nanny because he believes Nanny is trying to kill him. Is Joey delirious or is Nanny hiding a something from the family? Don't watch this alone or with any babysitters, for that matter.

• The Spiral Staircase (1945) - A slew of murders targeting women with disabilities hits the neighborhood and Mrs. Warren fears for her mute companion, Helen Capel, might be next. Mrs. Warren asks her physician to watch Helen, but when another murder takes place inside the Warren Mansion, Helen's safety becomes questionable. Starring Dorothy McGuire, George Brent, Ethel Barrymore, and Kent Smith. 

• The Uninvited (1944) - Stella by Starlight and Mary Meredith: two names you will never forget after watching this specific film. Not to be confused with 2009 movie, Roderick Fitzgerald and his sister, Pamela, purchase an abandoned mansion on the  English coastline. Once they hear rumors about the house's history, their fascination turns into suspicion and fear. Starring Ray Milland (see Dial M For Murder), Ruth Hussey (The Philadelphia Story), Donald Crip (How Green Was My Valley), and Cornelia Otis Skinner. 

• Village of the Damned (1960) - On a dark and stormy night, my father sat me down and introduced me to this awesome (in it's truest form) thriller. Midwich is a little village nestled in the English countryside. The town has normal people with standard jobs who live in ordinary homes. One day, it all changes when the entire village falls victim to a mysterious sleep. Several months later, all the women capable of reproducing, bear blond haired children. Strange? Indeed. When the children begin using there vision to control the townsfolk, one man tries to stop them. Starring George Sanders (See Rebecca), Barbara Shelley, Martin Stephens, and Michael Gwynn.

• Witness to Murder (1954) - This film is one of the many reasons why Barbara Stanwyck is a pro. Cheryl Draper witnesses a strangling outside her home, but no one will believe her. The police find no evidence to report the crime (not even a body). The killer stalks Cheryl, sets her up, and leaves her to question her own validity. Starring Barbara Stanwyck (Meet John Doe), George Sanders (See Rebecca), Gary Merrill, and Jesse White. 

And you can't forget these Alfred Hitchcock classics:

A little bio about Alfred Hitchcock:
 One of 20th Century's most renown suspense thriller directors ever. He is what other directors, like M.Night Shyamalan, try to aspire to. He was one of the first directors to manipulate the audience's emotions through the character's point of view. During film-making, he made cameo appearances (sound familiar?) that propelled him as a cultural figure. He is truly the Master of Suspense.

• The Birds (1963) - Starring Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, Suzanne Pleshette, and Jessica Tandy. When I heard they were trying to remake this classic, I was astounded. I feel no one could top the superb performances by Tippi Hedren and Rod Taylor. Most of the other Hitchcock remakes are sub par to the originals so whoever takes this project on will have to fill the Master's shoes. Anyway, Hedren's character, Melanie Daniels, follows Mitch Brenner to Bodega Bay after he plays a little prank on her. After her arrival, the birds begin to attack the people without any probable cause. If you haven't seen it, you really should. Based off of The Birds by Daphne Du Maurier.

• Vertigo (1958) - Jimmy Stewart starred in many of Hitchcock movies, but Vertigo portrays Stewart in a very different light. Back in the day, movies suggesting sex were considered riské and Hitchcock pushed the envelope in his story plots. He always found a way to make sexual innuendo tasteful (by today's standards).  While pursuing a perp, a former detective develops vertigo due to a terrible fall. After much humiliation, he finally finds a gig watching a man's elusive wife who is supposedly either possessed by a dead relative or just plain mad. When the detective falls in love with his client's wife, all hell breaks loose. The beginning may seem a little slow, but it picks up quickly. Starring Jimmy Stewart, Kim Novak, and Barbara Bel Geddes. 

• Rear Window (1954) - I know, I am a sucker for Stewart, but he's a great actor! When L.B. Jeffries breaks his leg during an action shot, all he can do is gaze through his rear window. He watches his neighbor's daily routines, giving them quirky nicknames and commenting on their personal lives. He becomes suspicious when Mr. Thorwald's wife disappears and soon, his curiosity puts everyone he cares about in danger. Starring Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, and Thelma Ritter. This movie is a real nail-bitter!

• Rebecca (1940) - "Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. It seemed to me I stood by the iron gate leading to the drive, and for a while I could not enter, for the way was barred to me. Then, like all dreamers, I was possessed of a sudden with supernatural powers and passed like a spirit through the barrier before me[...]." Based off of Daphne Du Maurier's suspense novel, Rebecca. Starring Sir Lawrence Olivier (Hamlet),  Joan Fontaine (Jane Eyre), George Sanders, and Judith Anderson. Rebecca was on TCM during one October and I sat down with my family, expecting a dull, tiring movie. Boy, was I wrong! Joan Fontaine plays a ladies' companion vacationing in the French Riviera. One day she meets Maxim de Winter, a wealthy widower from Cornwall, and they have a whirlwind marriage. When they return to their Gothic estate in Cornwall, the new misses discovers a latent secret that leaves her suspicious of the late Rebecca de Winter. A definite movie for the ladies!

• Strangers on a Train (1951) -"He does my murder, I do his."Based off of Patricia Highsmith's novel. When Bruno Antony meets his idol, professional tennis player and promising politician Guy Haines, the meeting starts off casual and fun. As soon as Bruno discusses how to create the perfect murder a criss-cross scheme (i.e. murdering the other guy's enemy), things become perilous for Haines. Strangers on a Train is a mind-wrenching film where Hitchcock experiments with black humor (refer here) and the abnormal mind. Starring Farley Granger, Ruth Roman, and Robert Walker. 

• Marnie (1964) -Many critics feel Marnie, starring Tippie Hedren (see The Birds) and Sean Connery (James Bond), is one of last good movies of Hitchcock's career peak. Originally, Hitchcock wanted Princess Grace (a.k.a Grace Kelly) to play the female lead but, she was unable to. Based on Winston Graham's novel, the movie is about a cool blonde, afflicted by her troubling past, who cons businesses in order to care for her ailing mother. After Rutherland's company owner catches her stealing, he blackmails the woman into marrying him. I remember that Marnie was Hedren's final movie collaboration with Hitchcock due to his controlling personality. Love this movie! Give it a shot!

• Dial M For Murder (1954) - Starring Grace Kelly, Ray Milland (see The Uninvited), and Robert Cummings (Saboteur). A wealthy London woman has a brief affair with an American writer while her husband, a tennis player, is abroad. When her husband returns, he decides to end his career and dedicates his time to his lovely wife (how peculiar). Although she destroys the American writer's love letters, somehow one letter is stolen. Who is trying to blackmail her? This understated movie is filled with edge-of-the-seat suspense! Add it to your list, this October.

There are so many great, old movies and I wish I could list them all. If you have never seen a old film -- this is a great list to begin from!