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Chamber of Horrors (1966) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas; Hits: 166

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "Chamber of Horrors" (1966) in the Pacific Northwest.

Click on images for larger versions.

Chamber of Horrors (1966)
"Chamber of Horrors" is a thrilling horror film directed by Hy Averback, set against the eerie backdrop of 19th-century Baltimore. The story begins with the capture of the deranged criminal, Jason Cravette, played by Patrick O'Neal. Cravette is convicted of his heinous crimes, but during his transport to execution, he manages to escape by severing his own hand.

Determined to exact revenge, Cravette disappears into the city's shadows, emerging with a grotesque hook replacing his lost hand. His twisted mind is set on terrorizing those who brought him to justice. At the heart of the story are Anthony Draco and Harold Blount, curators of a wax museum specializing in recreations of infamous murders. They soon find themselves embroiled in Cravette's vengeful scheme as he turns their museum into a real-life chamber of horrors.

The film expertly weaves suspense with gothic horror elements, showcasing Cravette's relentless pursuit and the curators' desperate attempts to stop him. The wax museum itself becomes a character in its own right, filled with chilling exhibits that blur the lines between the macabre displays and real-life terror.

Director: Hy Averback
Writers: Stephen Kandel, Ray Russell
Stars: Patrick O'Neal, Cesare Danova, Wilfrid Hyde-White
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September 13, 1966 ad (Portland)

September 11, 1966 ad (Portland)

September 14, 1966 ad (Portland)

September 15, 1966 ad (Portland)

September 20, 1966 photo (Seattle)

September 20, 1966 ad (Seattle)

September 21, 1966 ad (Seattle)

September 22, 1966 ad (Seattle)

September 23, 1966 ad (Seattle)

September 25, 1966 photo (Seattle)

Chamber of Horrors (1966) poster

Chamber of Horrors (1966) trailer
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The Navy vs. the Night Monsters/Women of the Prehistoric Planet (1966) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas; Hits: 240

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "The Navy vs. the Night Monsters" (1966) and "Women of the Prehistoric Planet" (1966) in the Pacific Northwest.

Click on images for larger versions.

The Navy vs. the Night Monsters (1966)
"The Navy vs. the Night Monsters" is a science fiction horror film directed by Michael A. Hoey. It plunges viewers into a gripping tale of terror and survival on a remote island in the South Pacific, where a group of naval personnel stationed at a weather station face an unprecedented threat.

The narrative begins with a cargo plane returning from an expedition to Antarctica, carrying specimens of prehistoric trees. However, these seemingly innocuous plants hold a deadly secret—they can transform into bloodthirsty, nightmarish creatures that attack and devour anything in their path. As night falls, the trees metamorphose, unleashing chaos and terror on the unsuspecting island inhabitants.

The crew, led by Commander Charles Brown, played by Anthony Eisley, and Lt. Nora Hall, portrayed by Mamie Van Doren, must band together to fend off the monstrous plants. The film captures their struggle for survival as they face a relentless and otherworldly enemy. Tensions rise as they devise a plan to destroy the creatures before they overrun the island.

Directors: Michael A. Hoey, Jon Hall, Arthur C. Pierce
Writers: Michael A. Hoey, Murray Leinster, Arthur C. Pierce
Stars: Mamie Van Doren, Anthony Eisley, Billy Gray
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Women of the Prehistoric Planet (1966)
"Women of the Prehistoric Planet" is a science fiction adventure directed by Arthur C. Pierce that combines interstellar travel with prehistoric survival. The story begins with a spaceship carrying a group of scientists, crew members, and colonists on a journey to a distant star system. During their voyage, an unexpected accident causes them to crash-land on an uncharted, primitive planet.

Among the survivors is Linda, played by Irene Tsu, an officer of mixed heritage, who finds herself navigating the harsh landscape alongside her crewmates. As they explore the planet, they encounter various prehistoric creatures and face the elements in their struggle for survival. The film highlights their efforts to repair their ship and contact their home base while fending off environmental threats and native wildlife.

Complicating their situation are the planet's indigenous humanoid inhabitants, who view the newcomers with suspicion and hostility. The dynamic between the technologically advanced survivors and the primitive society they encounter forms a central theme of the film, raising questions about civilization, progress, and the clash of cultures.

Director: Arthur C. Pierce
Writer: Arthur C. Pierce
Stars: Wendell Corey, Keith Larsen, John Agar

September 6, 1966 ad (Portland)

September 7, 1966 ad (Portland)

September 9, 1966 ad (Portland)

October 4, 1966 ad (Seattle)

October 5, 1966 ad (Seattle)

October 6, 1966 ad (Seattle)

October 7, 1966 ad (Seattle)

The Navy vs. the Night Monsters (1966) poster

Women of the Prehistoric Planet (1966) poster

The Navy vs. the Night Monsters (1966) trailer
Buy "The Navy vs. the Night Monsters" (1966) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

The Navy vs. the Night Monsters/Women of the Prehistoric Planet (1966) trailer
Buy "The Navy vs. the Night Monsters" (1966) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

The Wild Angels (1966)/The Girl-Getters (1964) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Administrator; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas; Hits: 343

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "The Wild Angels" (1966) and "The Girl-Getters" (1964) in the Pacific Northwest.

Click on images for larger versions.

The Wild Angels (1966)
"The Wild Angels" is a seminal biker film directed by Roger Corman, capturing the rebellious spirit and counterculture of the 1960s. The movie stars Peter Fonda as Heavenly Blues, the leader of the Hell's Angels motorcycle gang in Southern California, and Nancy Sinatra as his girlfriend, Mike.

The plot kicks into gear when Blues and his gang set out to reclaim a stolen motorcycle belonging to fellow gang member, Loser, played by Bruce Dern. Their journey spirals into chaos and violence, reflecting the anarchic lifestyle of the outlaw bikers. After a confrontation with the police, Loser is critically injured, prompting the gang to stage a daring rescue from the hospital.

The film delves into the internal dynamics of the gang, showcasing their loyalty, camaraderie, and the darker aspects of their defiance against societal norms. The narrative crescendos with a funeral for Loser, which devolves into a wild, hedonistic wake that epitomizes the gang’s rejection of conventional values.

"The Wild Angels" is notable for its raw and unfiltered depiction of the biker subculture, complete with gritty cinematography and a pulsating rock soundtrack. The performances by Fonda and Sinatra anchor the film, providing a stark portrayal of characters who live by their own rules, no matter the cost. The movie's impact on the genre is significant, setting the stage for future biker films and encapsulating a slice of 1960s Americana.

Director: Roger Corman
Writers: Charles B. Griffith, Peter Bogdanovich
Stars: Peter Fonda, Nancy Sinatra, Bruce Dern
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The Girl-Getters (1964)
"The Girl-Getters," also known as "The System," is a British drama directed by Michael Winner that delves into the lives and relationships of a group of young men living in a coastal resort town. The film stars Oliver Reed as Tinker, the charismatic and cynical leader of the group who makes a living by photographing tourists.

Set against the backdrop of the swinging 60s, the film follows Tinker and his friends as they navigate the summer season, using their charm and wit to seduce female tourists. They treat their romantic escapades as a game, with Tinker orchestrating the group's efforts with a blend of detachment and manipulation.

The arrival of Nicola, a sophisticated and independent woman played by Jane Merrow, challenges Tinker's worldview. As Tinker becomes romantically involved with Nicola, he finds himself grappling with deeper emotions and the complexities of genuine affection. The film explores themes of love, exploitation, and the search for meaning amidst a hedonistic lifestyle.

"The Girl-Getters" offers a snapshot of 1960s youth culture, capturing the era's carefree spirit and underlying tensions. The performances, particularly by Reed, bring depth to the characters, highlighting the conflict between the pursuit of pleasure and the desire for something more substantial. The film's nuanced portrayal of relationships and its reflection on the transient nature of youth make it a compelling and thought-provoking drama.

Director: Michael Winner
Writer: Peter Draper
Stars: Oliver Reed, Jane Merrow, Barbara Ferris
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August 14, 1966 ad (Seattle)

August 16, 1966 ad (Seattle)

August 17, 1966 ad (Seattle)

August 18, 1966 ad (Seattle)

August 19, 1966 article (Seattle)

August 20, 1966 ad (Seattle)

August 30, 1966 ad (Portland)

August 31, 1966 ad (Portland)

September 1, 1966 ad (Portland)

September 2, 1966 ad (Portland)

September 3, 1966 article (Portland)

The Wild Angels (1966) poster

The Girl-Getters (19*64) lobby card

The Wild Angels (1966) trailer
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The Girl-Getters (AKA "The System," 1964) trailer

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Rasputin: The Mad Monk/The Reptile (1966) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas; Hits: 386

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "Rasputin: The Mad Monk" and "The Reptile" (1966) in the Pacific Northwest.

Click on images for larger versions.

Rasputin: The Mad Monk (1966)
"Rasputin: The Mad Monk" is a gripping historical drama directed by Don Sharp. It features Christopher Lee in one of his most memorable roles. The film delves into the turbulent life of Grigori Rasputin, a controversial and enigmatic figure who wielded significant influence over the Russian imperial family in the early 20th century.

The story begins with Rasputin arriving in St. Petersburg, where his charismatic personality and rumored mystical powers quickly attract attention. As he navigates the Russian court's intricate and often dangerous political landscape, Rasputin's influence grows, especially over Tsarina Alexandra. His ability to seemingly heal the Tsarevich, who suffers from hemophilia, further cements his position within the royal circle.

Christopher Lee's portrayal of Rasputin captures the character's complexity—his unyielding ambition, hypnotic charm, and underlying menace. The film explores his manipulation of those around him, his hedonistic lifestyle, and the growing animosity of the nobility and commoners who view him as a corrupting force.

Director: Don Sharp
Writer: Anthony Hinds
Stars: Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley, Richard Pasco
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The Reptile (1966)
"The Reptile" is a chilling horror film directed by John Gilling that delves into the eerie happenings in a small Cornish village. The story begins with the mysterious death of Charles Spalding, who succumbs to a horrifying, unknown disease. His brother, Harry, inherits his estate and moves to the village with his wife, Valerie, to investigate Charles's death.

As they settle in, Harry and Valerie notice the villagers' strange behavior and their reluctance to discuss the mysterious deaths plaguing the area. Their curiosity leads them to Dr. Franklyn, a reclusive and somewhat sinister figure, and his daughter, Anna, who seems to be hiding a dark secret.

The narrative takes a suspenseful turn as Harry and Valerie uncover the truth about a curse that turns its victim into a snake-like creature. As they dig deeper, they come face-to-face with the terrifying reality behind the curse and the tragic history that haunts Dr. Franklyn's family.

Director: John Gilling
Writer: Anthony Hinds
Stars: Noel Willman, Jennifer Daniel, Ray Barrett
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August 10, 1966 ad (Portland)