Hello, Scared Silly fans!
The spooky season is officially upon us and I thought I'd drop in to let you know what a couple of horror-comedy stalwarts have been up to.
I've spoken about Ben Model and Steve Massa before... the dynamic duo of classic silent comedy film historians who've bedazzled countless audiences in person, in print, and online. Each has been involved in book projects, both have presented public screenings, and Ben is a brilliant keyboard accompaniest and composer of silent films of all stripes.
Through the years, they've presented both rare and reknown silent films through special series such as the "Cruel and Unusual Comedy" screenings at Museum of Modern Art, the ongoing Silent Clowns Film Series at Lincoln Center, and their YouTube series, The Silent Comedy Watch Party, among others.
I wanted to key in on a couple of things they have going on that have real appeal to horror-comedy fans, highlighting some fantastic horror-comedy templates.
I'll start with one you won't be able to partake of unless you've already ordered a ticket - it's sold out - but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention it. On Saturday, October 19th as part of the Silent Clowns Film Series, Ben and Steve are presenting the original 1927 filmed version of THE GORILLA starring Charlie Murray and everyone's favorite detective, Fred Kelsey!
I've written about that one before in an article you can read when you click here. This is the one that received not one but two 1930s talkie remakes including a more well-known one starring the irrepresible Ritz Brothers, but thanks to Ben and Steve, the original has received a new lease on life!
If you live in the New York City area, you really owe it to yourself to check out some of the Silent Clowns Film Series live screenings. You can learn more about them by clicking here.
Also be sure you visit this link to check out and purchase books by Steve Massa, and this link for all things related to Ben Model!
Another classic horror-comedy template that Ben had a hand in is a new restoration of the 1926 version of THE BAT. Like THE GORILLA, it's also based on a play, and also received a talkie remake featuring Vincent Price, Agnes Moorehead, and Darla Hood (yes, THAT Darla!).
This is a release you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, in a new 2k restoration from Ben's "Undercrank Productions" label. Available on both DVD and Blu-Ray, you can find out how to order a copy when you click here.
...and in the meantime, get set for a very special interview Ben Model will be giving about scoring THE BAT... scheduled to drop on October 15th!
HAPPY HAUNTINGS!!!