THE MONSTER BASH 1999

By Barbara Heiss

Here's my ramblings on the Bash....it was great.

Ron Adams again put together a well thought out and planned Bash. It was just as crowded as in the past, but the dealers and the Ghasts of Honor were spread out over four floors, so the traffic congestion was lessened.

Richard Valley's (editor of Scarlet Street magazine) Bride of Frankenstein talk was informative. As a child I saw the Monster as a lumbering clumsy child. As an adult I saw the creature as an animal acting on instinct. After hearing about the scene in the blind man's cottage where the Monster first learns about how he came to be, and because I heard G E Sassini's "Man Created A Man" sung several times this weekend, I saw the Monster as a man trying to come to terms about his creation. Thanks. Richard and Gino.

David Skal's (author of The Monster Show) presentation of the material to be included in the Frankenstein DVD included the sound bite of Colin Clive saying, "Now I know what it feels like to be God," clearly and without the thunderclap. The posters and the stills included are sharp and clear. The still presentation gives you the essence of the movie, only through stills and music. The background material feature reminisces from Sara Karloff.

Wes Shank, owner of "The Blob," accidentally lets it run loose...!

Mr. Skal also brought along a piece of film long thought lost. He showed us the epilogue from Dracula where Edward Van Sloan does a curtain presentation similar to his prologue in Frankenstein. Although the quality of the film prohibits it from being restored in the movie Dracula DVD, it will be part of the extra items found on the DVD.

What can be said about Carla Laemmle? Sharp as a tack and a fountain of information. Her childhood reminisces included how the wardrobe department once put together a fright show for her birthday, which is close to Halloween. Just goes to show you how people of all social standings love a good fright and participated in Fright Shows in their childhood.

I ran into Gary Prange in the Creepy Classics Room. We talked about the AOL Classic Horror Forum Board and our choice of movies we were buying. One movie that I wanted to buy, but Creepy Classics didn't have, was Werewolf Of London. After reading Ken Hanke's insightful article in Scarlet Street #33, I couldn't wait to see the movie again, this time with article in hand. I spent about 1/3 of my money in the Creepy Classics room. I bought the Gods and Monsters DVD and I don’t even have a DVD player! I even got a picture of me with Ron Adams’ father and several other Bashers in front of the Frankenstein Monster.

BixB (Joe Busom) is a Basher friend of mine from 97 and 98. Each year we catch up and get "Family portraits" done. These pictures include his son and daughter who attend the Bash with him. Thanks again Joe for the great time and the wonderful animations. The portraits also include Joe Skinnell. If you don't know Joe, he does some interview work and some photography at various conventions. Because of Joe Skinnell I can put a face to CFV Imports. It was great meeting Phil Friday night. Tom Savini is a third year Bash guest. I always get a picture taken with him. Last year I ran out of film before I remembered that fact. Luckily BixB’s son, also Joe, was around to take some photos and was nice enough to send them to me. This year I headed to the Savini table first thing.

Conrad Brooks nabs another feckless female...

Thanks to Joe Moe (another Joe) I got some pictures of Forry Ackerman and a Forry autograph before he left. You can never have too many 4E autographs. While waiting for 4E I had a chance to be videotaped for the Bash tape. If there is a God, they won't include that shot in the video.

Ron Adams and the Bash staffers go out of their way to make the Bash a pleasant experience for all. I particularly want to thank Bob Pellegrino. It's always nice to talk to him and he helped me get several good photos over the weekend.

Ron Chamberlain outdid himself this year with 2 makeup presentations, the Creature and the Mummy. (And friendly--he took a picture of me, Carla Laemmle, and the Mummy.) That's one of the great things about the Bash. Everyone is friendly and helpful.

I wrote this for another board I post on so, some of these names won't sound familiar. One that will is Charles Hanson, the little old button maker. I ran into Charles and his wife on Friday afternoon. I had a great time with them. His souvenir books of prior Bashes are something to see.

This year was homage to Boris Karloff and Dwight Frye (Frye-day), so I can’t forget about Sara Karloff and Dwight D Frye. I have said right along the Sara Karloff is a grand lady. So approachable and her talks are always informative. Dwight D Frye talked warmly about his father and ran out of copies of his book "Dwight Frye’s Last Laugh" before I could get a copy. But I have one ordered.

So many others, David Prowse, Russ Streiner (a personal favorite of mine), Conrad Brooks (okay, ‘fess up, how many of you Bash attendees walked away from his table with more movies than you intended to buy?), David "The Rock" Nelson, Terminal Stare, Night of the Living Dead Family Reunion…the list seemed endless.

Among the movies were Third Dimensional Murder…a real hoot, a serial with Boris Karloff in it, and The Gift of Gab (long thought to be a lost film) with cameos by Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. Next year there will be 2 Bashes. Be sure to visit the Monster Bash website to find out more. I'm already registered for both.

Enough of my rambling--I had a great time. When people ask me how my weekend was, I get this big grin on my face and people just say, "Must have been good!" Couldn't agree more.