Family Friendly Movies

Them!

by user
May 23, 2017November 2, 2024

Them! (1954) starring James Arness, James Whitmore, Edmund Gwenn, Joan Weldon

There are certain movie cliches, and the 1950’s is possibly best known for the science fiction “giant monster” movie (ie. Kaiju). It often served as a morality story, about the dangers of atomic energy, unexpected consequences, and fear of the future, using ordinary animals that have been mutated to giant size to tell the story. It’s been told many times since, but never better than in the first movie of its’ type, Them!

The Cabinet of Caligari (1962)

by user
May 22, 2017November 2, 2021

The Cabinet of Caligari (1962), starring Glynis Johns

First off, it needs to be noted that this is not a remake of the classic horror film. It is, instead, more of a psychological thriller. The Cabinet of Dr. Calibari begins with young Jane (played by the lovely Glynis Johns – the mother in Mary Poppins, the heroine in The Court Jester) driving along, and having a tire blowout. She walks for what seems like hours until she happens upon a house. Where she is taken in by the titular Dr. Caligari (Dan O’Herlihy). But the next day, when she wants to leave, she finds she cannot. She is a prisoner in the house, along with several others — and the doctor’s staff.

The Monster and the Girl

by user
May 22, 2017September 1, 2024

The Monster and the Girl (1941) starring George Zucco, Ellen Drew, Phillip Terry, Robert Paige, Paul Lukas

The Monster and the Girl is a very good “B” movie, well acted, with a cast that the audience cares about. It begins as a courtroom drama, only to pivot to a horror movie. It begins by telling the story of a small town girl named Susan Webster (Ellen Drew) who yearns for the sights and sounds of the big city. Over the objections of her protective brother, Scot (Phillip Terry). What Susan finds in New York isn’t what she bargained for, as she is romanced by smooth talking Larry Reid (Robert Paige) who’s intentions are not as sincere as they first seem. Going through a sham marriage to Larry, she is forced into a prostitution ring run by gangster W. S. Bruhl (Paul Lukas).

Werewolf of London

by user
May 22, 2017May 16, 2024

Werewolf of London (1935), starring Henry Hull, Warner Oland, Valerie Hobson

In Universal Picture’s first werewolf film, the 1935 Werewolf of London, there are several themes woven together. One is simply that of a scientist seeking to expand knowledge — Dr. Wilfrid Glendon (Henry Hull), who’s traveling in Tibet, looking for a legendary flower. In his quest, he enters a “forbidden valley” where he’s attacked by a wolf-like creature; but he manages to return alive with the flower regardless.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

by user
May 22, 2017September 3, 2023

The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) starring George Sanders, Hurd Hatfield, Angela Lansbury, Donna Reed, Peter Lawford

The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of the great movies. It’s about a young man who, after an off-hand wish, finds himself unaging, with age — and corruption — affecting his portrait. But he himself is apparently untouched. He is guided down the path of corruption and self-indulgence. He leads, directly or indirectly, to multiple deaths and suicides. Can he find salvation?

The Deadly Mantis (1952) starring Craig Stevens, Alix Talton, William Hopper

The Deadly Mantis [William Hopper]

by user
May 22, 2017May 10, 2022

The Deadly Mantis (1952) starring Craig Stevens, Alix Talton, William Hopper

Synopsis of The Deadly Mantis

When a giant, prehistoric praying mantis is released from its’ icy grave, it revives. Then, it looks for food. But the only food in the Arctic are the various military people and researchers posted there. It leaves no living survivors to tell the tail. When a paleontologist looks at the evidence, he realizes what’s going on … And has trouble convincing anyone else, until the Deadly Mantis goes where there’s more food–New York.

The Pit and the Pendulum

by user
May 22, 2017May 10, 2022

The Pit and the Pendulum (1961) starring Vincent Price, Barbara Steele

It has been said that Vincent Price often played the role of the tragic monster. And that’s never truer than in The Pit and the Pendulum. Vincent Price plays Don Nicholas Medina, a man whose wife has unexpectedly passed away. And whose brother-in-law has come seeking to find out the truth of his sister’s death.

Vincent Price as Robar, captain of the Albatross, The Master of the World

Vincent Price biography

by user
May 21, 2017August 9, 2024

Vincent Price biography (1911-1993)

Vincent Leonard Price, Jr. (May 27, 1911 — October 25, 1993) was an American actor, well known for his distinctive voice and serio-comic performances in a series of horror films made in the latter part of his career.

The Raven (1935)

by user
May 21, 2017May 3, 2024

The Raven (1935), starring Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff

Synopsis of The Raven

A wealthy judge coaxes the brilliant but eccentric neurological surgeon Dr. Vollin (Bela Lugosi), who also has an obsessive penchant for Edgar Allen Poe, out of retirement to save the life of his daughter. She’s a dancer , crippled and brain-damaged in an auto wreck. Vollin restores her completely. But he also envisions her as his “Lenore”. He then cooks up a scheme to kidnap the woman and torture and kill her fiancee and father in his Poe-inspired dungeon. To do his dirty work, Vollin recruits a wanted criminal (Boris Karloff). He turns him into a hideous monster to guarantee his subservience.

The Mummy’s Hand

by user
May 21, 2017July 14, 2024

The Mummy’s Hand (1940) starring Dick Foran, Wallace Ford, Peggy Moran

If there’s one deadly sin committed by The Mummy’s Hand, it’s that it’s too slow–and I’m not talking about the shambling movement of Kharis the living mummy. The titular mummy doesn’t make his first appearance until an hour into the movie, which has spent far too long in setting the scene. For instance, handsome, young archaeologist Steve Banning (Dick Foran) is stuck in Egypt. Without the funds to pursue his archeological dig. And his friend Babe Jensen (Wallace Ford) is along as comic relief.