London Horror Movie Club

Special Effects and Makeup Aritst Alex Gent joins us at London Horror Movie Club to talk about how he got into effects, the films that wowed him, and his work on "Pinnochio Unleashed", "Burnt Flowers", and "Vidoeshop Tales of Terror II: Lust and Revenge".

Stop-motion Animator and Conservator the Ray Harryhausen collection, Alan Friswell joins the London Horror Movie Club this week. Lauren and Chris ask about the movies that got him into animation, how it's managed to endure and improve over the years, what it was like working with Ray, and some of his favourite films and animated creatures. Alan even tells us about the time he left a sculpted dead hand in a restaurant! For horror and animation fans alike, we hope you have as much fun listening as Chris and Lauren did.

Godfather of hauntology, pioneer of industrial music, and the man behind spooky albums like "Séance at Hobs Lane", "The Wicker Tapes", and the Amicus and Taigon-inspired "Portmanteau of Horrors". That's merely a short summary of Drew Mulholland and his career! We were lucky to have this remarkable sound orchestrator talk with us about making music, horror films, and how he used a piece of the Wicker Man to make one of his albums. Enjoy!

This month is about crafting horror stories with author Dane Cobain (no relation to Kurt Cobain, we asked). Author of supernatural thrillers, crime, and horror - including his recent factory farm horror, "Meat" - we talk about inspiration, writing, horror books v. movies, and even archeology in space! Join us for a fun dive into the world of writing chills and thrills.

Chris, Tony, and Lauren sit down to compare their top ten horror movies - and only two films cross the lists! Be prepared for slashers, zombies, psychological horror, ghost stories and anthologies that span the 60s-2019! What a way to kick of the New Year here at the London Horror Movie Club.

New Dawn Radio's "Griff Griffith's Show" paid a long overdue visit to the London Horror Movie Club this month. Lauren first appeared on their show to suggest horror movies for Griff Griffiths and Michele with one 'L' to watch, and one year later, they have not only watched a fair few horrors but also been on the set of horror films as supporting artists. Griff and Michele join Lauren and Chris to talk about these moments, their Christmas Single "Christmas Smile", the time Michele heard a ghost, when Griff was attacked by a tiny dog, and many other hilarious stories. Grab a glass of something fizzy and join us!

A deep dive into the latest from Coraline Fargeat's "The Substance" starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid. Chris, Tony, and Lauren give their gut reactions - likes, dislikes, would they recommend it, would they re-watch it - as well as deep dive into the major themes of the film, the vast history of horror films referenced in it, and consider if they would ever take The Substance themselves... The conversation leads us down some interesting roads and to a huge range of movies, personal histories, and questions beyond beauty or horror. Have fun!

Actress in more than 100 films from "Point Break" and "Planes Trains and Automobiles" to cult horrors like "The Invisible Maniac" and the recent smash hit "Finding Nicole" Debra shares with us stories from over 40 years in Hollywood - including why Patrick Swayze gave her side-eye! It's a real treat just in time for Halloween, as there are plenty of cult horror movies in here too - including upcoming films and ones in the festivals now - so sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

Mycho Entertainment is celebrating 20 years of making Indie films, and MJ Dixon sat down with us to talk about how it all began, what film moments he remembers, the horror films he loves, along with tips and hilarious stories from behind the scenes of films like "Cleaver" and and "Slasherhouse" trilogy.

Grab a cup of tea and settle into your comfiest chair for this whirl-wind interview with Allan Bryce, editor of the renowned UK Horror magazine "The Dark Side". Allan has interviewed everyone from Johnny Depp to Charlton Heston, brought stars like Caroline Monroe, Adriene King and Linnea Quigley to London's Darkfest, and has created more than 250 issues of the most beloved horror mag on the shelves. He sits down with Chris and I to share a few stories, some favourite horror films, and many laughs!

Sit down and get ready for some remarkable stories as we chat about over 16 years of Misty Moon - from gallery to film society, to award winning horror producers. The Misty Moon Film-Society hold unique intimate evenings with actors and actresses from classic and cult TV & Film in the Pheonix Arts Club, while also running a beloved International film festival, and producing prized films like 2023's "Pareidolia" which won dozens of awards across international festivals. Join us as they share some of their stories and details of upcoming films like "Darner" and "Elvises vs Zombies"!

Director, Actor and Producer Tony Mardon is back more than a year and a half after his first interview with LHMC! And this time he is in person - that's right, Lauren and Tony were in North Carolina. This episode is a free-for-all of fright films and fun. Beginning with a review of "In a Violent Nature", we then catch up on Tony's films including 2024's "Mosaic" and "Horrorscopes Volume 2" as well as future films like "Darner" with Adrienne King (Friday the 13th). Tony also brought along a little horror-themed surprise! Join us for a cracking time and a lot of laughs.

Join us as we ask Marcus Lewis about the inside stories, movie star anecdotes, and fan magic of "Weekend of the Dead". The UK's only George Romero convention, its exclusive size means it is not only a favorite of Tom Savini's (he has shared three birthdays with fans there) but one that creates opportunities for fans share a meal with their favourite actors, buy one a drink, and make other dreams come true.

With special guest, director, Tony Mardon, the London Horror Movie Club watches Hammer's 1971 "Twins of Evil". The third film in their "Karnstein Trilogy" (based on the novel Carmilla) the film is arguably the best in the trilogy and gives a lot to talk about. From the flipping of feminist tropes to the fantastic cast with veteran Peter Cushing and Playboy models The Collinson Sisters, and even modern-day doppelgangers for the cast, we cover everything and anything we thought of when watching this cult classic.

Put your revenge on ice and get your squibs ready - this month LHMC has on award-winning director Darren Ward ("Beyond Fury", "Day of Vengence", "Three Tickets to Hell"). Darren takes us through his career talking through 30 years of indie filmmaking, including nabbing famous actors like David Warbeck and Giovanni Lombardo Radice; how to blag your way into a £15 million pound set; and the time Jean-Claude Van Damme did a reading of his script. He even gives us the inside scoop on his next film "Lottie". Definitely one worth making popcorn for!

action-packedStatesA round-up of what we have been watching lately - this time films that are just out on film, streaming or Blu-Ray. Chris gives a review of the action packed "Quiet Place: Day One", Lauren just watched the stunningly creepy "Immaculate" and "Video Shop Tales of Terror" is out on Tubi in the states! There's also a few other oldies we have watched, our plans for the apocalypse and a preview of things to come.

Pete Wlaker's 1974 "Frightmare" gets the London Horror Movie Club treatment! A video nasty and a cult classic, this film was a first watch for Chris but appears in Lauren's book "Death Lines: Walking London's Horror History" thanks to Walker's use of great London locations like Battersea Park and BBC Television Studio. Join Chirs and Lauren as they review the film, consider how it holds up today, add it to their rankings of horror movies and also ask the interesting question: what horror movie would you want to live in?

One of the talented makeup artists behind "Winnie the Pooh Blood and Honey II", Tequila has done makeup and SFX for dozens of films including "Bogieville", "Best Geezer" and "The Witches of the Sands". She got her start doing Scare Cons and has also designed looks for magazine covers across Europe! It was amazing to sit down with her and hear some of the amazing stories from behind the set as well as films she loves and how her skills managed to get one of her children sent home from school! Join us for a great chat with this wildly talented artist and rising star in horror makeup and special effects.

He's interviewed everyone from Anna Massey to Gordon Hessler and has written more about British Horror cinema than most people will ever learn. The author of (among many others) "Beasts in the Cellar: The Exploitation Film Career of Tony Tenser" joins us for a chat about the best decade of British horror, the films we form attachments to, the most underrated country for horror, and his latest book: "Witches, Bitches and Banshees".

She's been killed, turned into a zombie, and is about to be playing a vengeful Repunzel - this month we got the great privilege of sitting down with horror actress Georgie King. A regular in the indie horror world, Georgie has done both stage and screen, appearing in films like "Mosaic", "The Art of Abuse" and the upcoming "Zombikini" and "Rapunzel's Revenge". Join us as she shares behind the scenes stories, her favourite films, and the horror films she watches with her Nan!

Award-winning comedian and indie horror and comedy actor Cy Henty joins us this month; along with his homunculus! (no that's not a dirty joke!) Join us for a chat about his recent films, his award-winning radio play, a haunted set, what film terrified his grandmother, and that crucial blend of comedy and horror. Video contains strong language and stong puns.

Join the team of Trash Arts Productions, Sam Mason Bell and Jackson Batchelor, for insight into their lives producing, making, and distributing horror films and working with writers and directors from all over England. From favourite films and stories on set to why the industry is still recovering from the 80s, there's something for any horror fan to enjoy.

Writer, Actress, Producer, and Costumer Hannah Paterson joins us to kick off 2024 just before the premiere of "Mosaic" at indie horror festival Horror On Sea. We talk to Hannah about the segment she wrote for "Mosaic", filming in crazy conditions, how she got started in horror, and what cartoon would be the next Horror twist in the wake of Steam Boat Willy.

This month The London Horror Movie Club watched Stanley Kubrick's "A Clockwork Orange" and we talk about how it's aged, the Swinging London vibe, and control in America vs. Britain. But we also have a little holiday fun for you - Chris and I compiled our personal Christmas Horror Movie Top 5 lists! There were surprisingly few cross-overs and a couple surprises on both sides. Let us know what you think and what your top 5 Christmas Horror Movies would be. We are *dying* to know.

Join us this month for an interview with the team that produced, wrote, directed, filmed (and even acted in) the upcoming indie horror short "The Foreboding" - a twist on the classic teens-in-the-woods slasher. We sit done with Peter Tilley, Alex Staunton-Hill, and Kemal Yildirim to talk about their inspirations, the struggles and stories of making an indie film in six months, and the horror films that inspire them.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and have a good ol' chinwag with the indie horror director/writer and actor, Tom Lee Rutter. In this episode, we're diving headfirst into Tom's quaint and creepy world of filmmaking, career ups and downs, his all-time favorite flicks (prepare for some original choices), what tickles his creative side about horror, and, of course, his latest brainchild, "The Pocket Film of Superstitions." If you're a fan of indie flicks, horror that's more chuckle than chiller, or just fancy a laugh with a bloke who's got a knack for making weird and wild movies, this is the chat for you. Grab a pint, put your feet up, and join the fun with Tom, courtesy of us at the London Horror Movie Club.

Dive into the world of immersive theatre with Alex and Ryan, the innovative minds behind "Shock Horror." Discover their unique fusion of film and immersive theatre that conjures a spine-tingling ghost story right before your eyes. In this interview, we explore their creative process for crafting scares on stage, their mission to lure a younger audience to the theatre, the films that ignited their imaginations, their personal fears, and what makes horror an enchanting, irresistible genre. Join us as we uncover the secrets of bringing fear to life in a captivating theatrical experience on "The London Horror Movie Club."

Step into the provocative world of indie horror filmmaking with James Edward Newton. Dive into indie cinema's gritty, passionate heart, explore guilty pleasures that fuel creativity, and embrace the rock and punk-inspired aura of his thrilling horror films. Uncover the unsettling and unconventional brilliance behind his latest creation, 'Katernica.' Join us on 'The London Horror Movie Club' for a conversation that will redefine your understanding of artistic horror and the audacious spirit of indie cinema.

Join us for a captivating interview with indie Director of Photography, Andy Boothby, whose lens has captured the essence of chilling tales in films like "Black Lizard Tales" and segments for "Horrorscopes." Together, we unravel the magic that makes horror films so special and discover what fuels Andy's passion for his craft. Prepare for spine-tingling stories from the set, including the harrowing and sometimes humorous moments that come with his job. Including the shoot where Andy came face to face with maggots – it's a tale you'll want to hear to believe. If you're a fan of horror, filmmaking, or simply intrigued by the behind-the-scenes of cinema, this interview is a must-listen. Discover the art and passion that breathe life into the most spine-tingling stories, only on "The London Horror Movie Club".

Don't miss this captivating podcast interview with acclaimed writer, producer, and director Pat Higgins. Dive into his fascinating career, explore his film influences, and get an exclusive sneak peek into his upcoming film "Powertool Cheerleaders VS the Boyband of the Screeching Dead". Tune in now for an amusing conversation that will leave you inspired, laughing and eagerly anticipating Higgins' new horror musical.

Tune in as Chris and Lauren dive into the shocking world of the 1959 horror classic, "Horrors of the Black Museum." We look at the creative murders, the unusual plot, and discuss whether a remake is in order (with obvious changes). Even if you haven't seen it - don't miss out on what the brother-sister team have been watching because Chris has FINALLY seen "The Wicker Man", just in time for it's 50 year anniversary

This month The London Horror Movie Club got to step into the fascinating world of special effects with indie SFX artist Jay Lowe. In this captivating podcast interview, we got to meet some of his incredible creations, from animated skulls to surreal creatures, and learn what inspired them. As a lifelong horror fan, Jay also shares his top recommendations of hidden gem movies you won't want to miss and some of the effects that blew his mind. Tune in for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the magic of special effects artistry. Be aware of strong language and visual effects that some may find disturbing.

This month we have on with us British Scream Queen Dani Thompson. She has starred in more than 50 horror movies - including Bad Moon Rising, I Scream on the Beach, Carnivore: Werewolf of London - and has written and produced film and television and has out her own album. Join Chris, Lauren, and Dani as they about her remarkable career, favourite horror films, ghost hunting, and a surreal experience that inspired one of her films!

In honour of the 4th of July Chris selected an American movie that would be a first watch for Lauren. And he picked one that suits her, because it's all about a horror writer who has gone a bit bonkers. That's right it is the 2004 Stephen King adaptation, Secret Window. Starring Johnny Depp and John Turturro, supported by Timothy Hutton and Maria Bello, it was also written and directed by David Koepp, and includes a musical score by Philip Glass and Geoff Zanelli. In other words, it is as star-studded and talent-filled as a horror movie can get. The film follows Mort, a horror writer who is getting divorced and caught in writer's block wallowing away in a cabin Upstate until a Missouri man names John Shooter shows up to his cabin and insists that Mort stole a story from him. Eerie and Creepy in turn, there is a lot to like about the psychological twists and turns of this film, and it is also quintessentially American, right down to the adorable town with a friendly sheriff.

For July Chris and I interviewed indie horror director Alex Churchyard, best known for his award-winning summer slasher "I Scream On the Beach". We talk about everything we can, his recent appearance on the BBC, the best upcoming indie horrors, how to terrify your neighbors, and his amazing array of films including "Videoshop Tales of Terror" with Dani Thompson and "Mosaic" with Simon Bamford.

The London Horror Movie Club pick for this month is the 1982 gory-surreal-science-fiction horror "Xtro". One word to describe it: For Chris "Bananaland" and for Lauren "Bonkers". This British cult classic was written and directed by Harry Bromley Davenport and inspired several sequels thanks to it's trippy atmosphere, special effects and eerie premise. The small cast includes Philip Sayer ("The Hunger") and Bond Girl Maryam d'Abo ("The Living Daylights"; "Dorian Gray").

*Be aware - strong language throughout* We sat down with Indie horror director Dan Brownlie to talk about a decade of making horror films, including "The Tombs" (set in the London Tombs attraction) and the recent documentary "UK Haunters" about the horror attractions of Britain. Be ready for a lot of unusual films, inside stories, and an inside look at his next film.

This month Chris and I watch the 2017 gothic "The Limehouse Golem" in which Inspector John Kildare's investigation of a serial killer in Linehouse leads him to the trail of Lizzie Cree, an actress accused of poisoning her husband. The film had a high budget with a stellar cast including Olivia Cooke, Bill Nighy and Douglas Booth, but did it impress or can this film - like the golem - slip away unseen? We also begin with a round-up of what else we have been watching - including the buzzy new Dracula film Renfield starring Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage⁠, Ben Schwartz, and Awkwafina⁠. As usual, we finish the episode off with a teaser of the next epsiode and what we are excited to watch next month. Enjoy!

Drama, The Wrath of God, and Brussels Sprout liquour. This month we watch the psychedelic Vincent Price masterpiece The Abominable Dr. Phibes. As doctors and nurses are dying all over London in recreations of the Biblica plagues, the answer seems to lie in the graves of the recently deceased Dr. Anton Phibes and his wife. When it came out in 1971, the film was a hit, showing off stars like Price, Terry Thomas, and Hugh Griffith alongside a mechanised band, a technicolor set, and some of the most creative kills in horror cinema. Join Chris and Lauren as they talk through the film from its best moments, to how it holds up today and the inspiration you can still see in other horror movies.

London Horror Movie Club watches "American Werewolf In London" - the classic comedy horror directed by John Landis and beloved by horror fans and directors. A clever, modern werewolf film starring David Naughton, Griffin Dunne, and Jenny Agutter, this is a classic everyone should consider watching once. Chirs and I explore our favourite moments, imagine a recasting today, and, of course, consider the huge role London has in the film. And there's even mention of a were-Loch Ness Monster.... :-p

This month's movie is the 2012 "Cockneys vs Zombies" an East End/Shaun of the Dead/Bank Heist comedy mashup starring Alan Ford, Matthias Hoene, Rasmus Hardiker. With some of the craziest kill scenes of any zombie movie, lots of heart, and a dash of social commentary, we had great fun watching this one! Join us to hear the best bits, the funniest lines, and if it taught us anything about how to survive (or not) a zombie apocalypse.

Frenzy is the story of Dick Blaney (Jon Finch), a grumpy barman who has a very bad week, leading to him becoming the chief - and only - suspect in the Necktie serial killings. With the help of his girlfriend Babs (Anna Massey) and his friend Bob (Barry Foster) he tries to avoid being hanged for the murder of several women, including his ex-wife. This was famously Hitchock's most violent film, and styled as his triumphant return to London after twenty years of filmmaking; but was it enough to grab our attention and become a London Horror classic? Or has it put Chris off ever watching another Hitchcock? Listen to find out.

Happy Friday the 13th! To kick off 2023 Chris and I interviewed the fantastically fun Tony Mardon. An actor and horror director, he has worked with horror legends like Ian McCulloch (It!), Pauline Peart (The Satanic Rites of Dracula), and Linzi Drew (American Werewolf in London). Join us as we ask Tony everything from directing tips, horror starter movies, and stories and insight on his latest works - Libra, Don't Sit On His Face and Witches of the Sands. The rating is "explicit" for sexual content in the film/plot context. Tony's latest shorts will be premiering at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival and you can follow film updates on Instagram @the_witches_of_the_sands.

This month I take Chris out of his usual horror groove with one of the best British Horror Films of the 1950s: "Night of the Demon". A favourite of Martin Scorsese, and starring Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins and Niall MacGinnis, this occult horror film is a forerunner to the more well known Folk Horrors of the next decade. With a satanic cult, druidic runes, curses and the full range of dark and light magic, we have a lot to sink our teeth into with this gripping and unique horror film... including the potential for a remake Intro/Outro sound design by Cucurbit.

Chris is back as our permanent co-host and to welcome him we are talking about a favourite of his, the Hughes Brothers' 2001 Jack the Ripper horror From Hell, starring Johnny Depp and Heather Graham and a stellar supporting cast including Ian Holm and Robbie Coltrane. The film is part of a long history of Ripper-inspired horror films going back to Hitchcok's 1927 The Lodger, and it is also based on Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell's graphic novel of the same name. With a stellar cast and an intricate plot, it's a film that is steeped in legend and wears it well, like a shadowy figure in the London night.

Day of the Triffids is a 1962 alien-invasion/ apocalypse horror, staring the incomparable Howard Keel and smouldering Nicole Maurey. After a meteor shower blinds most of the world, the few left with their sight intact struggle to survive the takeover of Earth by cannibalistic Triffid plants. Naval officer Bill Masen and student Susan leave desolated London in search of survivors, while biologists on an offshore lighthouse try to find the Triffids' weakness. Based on the novel by John Wyndham, this sci-fi horror has a long-lasting imprint on horror cinema, and many interesting parallels with Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later. In this episode, we look at this unique film as an adaptation including the many changes, that famous scene of empty London, what worked and what didn't, and finally why this underdog film made it into horror history.

This season is all about London horror films adapted from books, beginning with the 1977 "Full Circle" starring Mia Farrow and Keir Dullea (known for 2001: A Space Odyssey). This is a beautiful adaptation of Peter Straub's haunting story "Julia". After the death of her daughter, Julia Lofting moves into a new home, which is haunted by the ghost of a little girl. Julia is torn between the girl's violent history while alive and her motherly instincts.

To kick off season three I have a very special guest joining me from America, my brother Chris! We talk about Edgar Wright's remarkable and hilarious "Shaun of the Dead", the Cornetto Trilogy, "American Werewolf in London", London Horror, and why there has yet to be a truly brilliant Jack The Ripper movie. Sit back, relax (maybe get a pint at the Winchester) and join us for this special episode crammed full of the best London horror cinema has to offer.

For the final episode of Season 2 we look at a handful of other films where people are trapped in the underground; even if that isn't a main feature of the film. This includes Godzilla-inspired horror Gorgo, Hammer classic Quatermass and the Pitt, Tobe Hooper's space-vampire film Lifeforce, and the recent haunted horror Woman In Black II. All these films draw on the very real-life threat of being trapped on the underground by evoking imagery and the experience of World War II.

We go into the deleted scene archive this episode for Danny Boyle's 2001 "28 Days Later", an icon of London Horror Cinema. Starring Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders) and Naomi Harris (Skyfall, Spectre) as survivors in a post-apocalyptic, Rage-infected London. The film has been talked about in many ways, but rarely considering how Boyle uses the 'safe space' of the underground. I will dive in to consider what it adds to the film - with and without the deleted scene - and share in the abandoned eerieness of this uncanny world.

For this episode, we go to Old Street Station in the 1998 horror Tale of the Mummy. With a surprisingly star-studded cast (including Christopher Lee, Shelley Duvall, Gerard Butler, Sean Pertwee, Honor Blackman, and Michael Learner) this under-the-radar mummy movie is a wild and crazy ride. Archeologists discover the cursed tomb of the Egyptian ruler Talos precariously suspended over a pit of death. They bring Talos' cursed remains for display at the British Museum, only for Talos' spirit to awaken in the form of cursed mummy wrappings, which proceed to go on a murder spree throughout London. With a complex plot and a lot of nineties moxie, the film is jumbled but charming.