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Batman (1966) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas; Hits: 150

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "Batman" (1969) in the Pacific Northwest.

Click on images for larger versions.

Batman (1966)
"Batman" (1966) is a lively and colorful adaptation of the popular TV series, directed by Leslie H. Martinson. The film stars Adam West as the titular Batman and Burt Ward as his trusty sidekick, Robin.

The dynamic duo faces their biggest challenge yet when a coalition of Gotham City's most notorious villains—The Joker (Cesar Romero), The Riddler (Frank Gorshin), The Penguin (Burgess Meredith), and Catwoman (Lee Meriwether)—join forces. Their sinister plan? To take over the world by dehydrating members of the United World Organization's Security Council into dust.

Batman and Robin must race against time to thwart their foes' nefarious plot. The film is filled with the campy humor, exaggerated fight scenes, and memorable catchphrases that define the 1960s Batman series. The villains' over-the-top schemes and gadgets, paired with Batman and Robin's determination and resourcefulness, create a delightful and entertaining romp.

Director: Leslie H. Martinson
Writers: Lorenzo Semple Jr., William Dozier
Stars: Adam West, Burt Ward, Lee Meriwether, Cesar Romero, Burgess Meredith, Frank Gorshin
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August 10, 1966 ad (Seattle)

August 7, 1966 ad (Seattle)

August 9, 1966 ad (Seattle)

August 11, 1966 article (Seattle)

August 11, 1966 ad (Seattle)

August 12, 1966 ad (Seattle)

August 13, 1966 ad (Seattle)

August 26, 1966 ad (Portland)

August 30, 1966 ad (Portland)

August 31, 1966 ad (Portland)

September 1, 1966 ad (Portland)

September 2, 1966 ad (Portland)

September 6, 1966 ad (Portland)

Batman (1966) poster

Batman (1966) trailer
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Horrors of Spider Island/The Fiendish Ghouls (1960) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas; Hits: 296

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "Horrors of Spider Island" (1960) and "The Fiendish Ghouls" (AKA "The Flesh and the Fiends," 1960) in the Pacific Northwest.

Click on images for larger versions.

Horrors of Spider Island (1960)
"Horrors of Spider Island" is a campy classic that weaves horror and science fiction into a tale of survival and transformation. Directed by Fritz Böttger, the story kicks off with a group of dancers and their manager, Gary Webster, en route to a gig. Fate intervenes when their plane crashes, leaving them stranded on a remote and mysterious island.

The island initially appears to be a deserted paradise, but the group soon stumbles upon eerie clues—most notably a large, sinister spider web and the skeleton of a previous inhabitant. Unbeknownst to them, the island harbors monstrous, mutated spiders, a result of the deceased scientist's experiments.

The true horror unfolds when Gary is bitten by one of these giant spiders, triggering a gruesome transformation into a half-man, half-spider creature. This monstrous change pits him against the remaining survivors, who now have to fend off not only the island's oversized arachnids but also the monstrous version of their manager.

Director: Fritz Böttger
Writers: Fritz Böttger, Eldon Howard, Albert G. Miller
Stars: Harald Maresch, Helga Franck, Alexander D'Arcy
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The Fiendish Ghouls (AKA "The Flesh and the Fiends," 1960)
"The Fiendish Ghouls" is a chilling horror film directed by John Gilling, which dives into the macabre world of grave-robbing and murder in 19th-century Edinburgh. The film is based on the true story of the infamous Burke and Hare murders, which shook the city in the early 1800s.

The narrative centers on Dr. Robert Knox, a respected surgeon and anatomist, who finds himself in need of fresh cadavers for medical research. Enter William Burke and William Hare, two opportunistic criminals who see a chance to profit from Knox's needs. Initially, they start by selling bodies of the recently deceased, but as demand grows, they resort to murder to meet the supply.

The film deftly captures the grim atmosphere of Edinburgh during that period, juxtaposing the scientific pursuit of knowledge with the moral degradation of those who see human life as a means to an end. Peter Cushing delivers a compelling performance as Dr. Knox, torn between his quest for anatomical understanding and the growing horrors of his suppliers' methods.

Director: John Gilling
Writers: John Gilling, Leon Griffiths
Stars: Peter Cushing, June Laverick, Donald Pleasence
The Fiendish Ghouls (AKA "The Flesh and the Fiends," 1960) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
The Fiendish Ghouls (AKA "The Flesh and the Fiends," 1960) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

July 6, 1966 ad (Seattle)

July 5, 1966 ad (Seattle)

July 7, 1966 ad (Seattle)

July 8, 1966 ad (Seattle)

October 18, 1966 ad (Portland)

October 19, 1966 ad (Portland)

October 21, 1966 ad (Portland)

Horrors of Spider Island (1960) poster

The Fiendish Ghouls (1960) poster

Horrors of Spider Island (1960) trailer
Buy "Horrors of Spider Island" (1960) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
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The Fiendish Ghouls (AKA "The Flesh and the Fiends," 1960) trailer
Buy "Horrors of Spider Island" (1960) bluray on Amazon (SPONSORED)
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Fireball 500 (1966) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas; Hits: 270

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "Fireball 500" (1966) in the Pacific Northwest. Portland got "Hercules Against the Moon Men" (1964) for the second feature while Seattle got "To the Shores of Hell" (1966).

Click on images for larger versions.

Fireball 500 (1966)
"Fireball 500" is a high-octane, action-packed film that roars through the world of stock car racing. The film, directed by William Asher, stars Frankie Avalon as Dave Owens, a talented and ambitious race car driver. Looking to make a name for himself, Dave enters the perilous world of moonshine running to finance his racing dreams.

Set in the Southern United States, the movie explores the dangers and thrills of illegal moonshine transport intertwined with the intense and competitive stock car races. Dave is entangled with hard-nosed law enforcement and rival moonshine runners, leading to a series of daring chases and close calls. Alongside him is his love interest, Leander, played by Annette Funicello, who adds a touch of romance amidst the high-speed drama.

The film delivers exhilarating race sequences and showcases the camaraderie and rivalry among the drivers. As Dave navigates this treacherous landscape, he must balance his passion for racing with the risks of his new venture, leading to a thrilling and unpredictable climax.

Director: William Asher
Writers: William Asher, Leo Townsend
Stars: Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Fabian
Buy "Fireball 500" (1966) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

Hercules Against the Moon Men (1964)
"Hercules Against the Moon Men" is an adventurous and fantastical film that plunges the mythological hero into a battle against otherworldly invaders. Directed by Giacomo Gentilomo, the story begins with the kingdom of Samar under the tyrannical rule of Queen Samara, who has allied with the Moon Men—an alien race seeking to conquer Earth.

Enter Hercules, portrayed by Alan Steel, who is summoned to save the kingdom from this unholy alliance. The Moon Men, possessing formidable powers and advanced technology, aim to bring their plans to fruition through a series of rituals involving human sacrifices. The film captures the majestic strength of Hercules as he takes on not only earthly foes but also extraterrestrial adversaries.

Throughout the movie, Hercules confronts various challenges, from monstrous creatures to treacherous terrain, all while striving to dismantle the alliance and free the oppressed people of Samar. His unwavering spirit matches his physical prowess, making for exhilarating combat scenes and feats of strength.

Director: Giacomo Gentilomo
Writers: Arpad DeRiso, Giovanni Scolaro, Giacomo Gentilomo
Stars: Sergio Ciani, Jany Clair, Anna Maria Polani
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To the Shores of Hell (1966)
"To the Shores of Hell" is an intense war drama that plunges viewers into the harrowing realities of the Vietnam War. Directed by Will Zens, the film follows the story of U.S. Marine Captain Jim Bronson, portrayed by Richard Arlen, who embarks on a perilous mission to rescue his brother. His brother, a doctor, has been captured by the Viet Cong and is held in the hostile jungle terrain.

The film captures the brutal and unpredictable nature of guerilla warfare, showcasing Bronson's determination and bravery as he navigates enemy territory. He faces numerous obstacles, including treacherous landscapes, hidden traps, and relentless enemy forces. The depiction of the dense jungles and the constant threat of ambush creates a palpable tension throughout the film.

Alongside the action-packed rescue mission, the movie delves into the emotional and psychological toll of war on soldiers. Bronson's journey is not just a physical one but also a testament to the bonds of family and the lengths one will go to save a loved one.

Director: Will Zens
Writers: Robert McFadden, Will Zens
Stars: Marshall Thompson, Richard Arlen, Robert Dornan

June 28, 1966 ad (Portland)

June 29, 1966 ad (Portland)

July 1, 1966 ad (Portland)

July 19, 1966 ad (Seattle)

July 20, 1966 ad (Seattle)

July 22, 1966 ad (Seattle)

Fireball 500 (1966) poster

Hercules Against the Moon Men (1964) poster

To the Shores of Hell (1966) poster

Fireball 500 (1966) trailer
Buy "Fireball 500" (1966) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

Hercules Against the Moon Men (1964) trailer
Buy "Hercules Against the Moon Men" (1964) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

Tarzan and the Valley of Gold/Frankenstein Conquers the World (1966) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas; Hits: 320

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "Tarzan and the Valley of Gold" and Frankenstein Conquers the World (1966) in the Pacific Northwest.

Click on images for larger versions.

Tarzan and the Valley of Gold (1966)
Tarzan and the Valley of Gold" thrusts our iconic hero, Tarzan, into a modern and adventurous setting. Directed by Robert Day, the film opens with Tarzan, played by Mike Henry, being summoned to Mexico. He must thwart a dangerous criminal named Vinaro, who is in hot pursuit of a fabled treasure hidden in the mysterious Valley of Gold.

Upon arrival, Tarzan finds himself navigating the dense jungle, the intricacies of modern technology, and a new environment. Vinaro, armed with advanced weaponry and ruthless henchmen, poses a significant threat. The film expertly juxtaposes Tarzan's primal strength and jungle cunning against these modern adversaries.

Alongside him are allies who believe in the sanctity of the Valley and its treasures. The film captures thrilling sequences where Tarzan uses his unique skills—swinging through the trees, communicating with animals, and his unmatched physical prowess—to outsmart Vinaro's men.

Director: Robert Day
Writers: Clair Huffaker
Stars: Mike Henry, David Opatoshu, Manuel Padilla Jr.
Buy "Tarzan and the Valley of Gold" (1966) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

Frankenstein Conquers the World (AKA "Frankenstein vs. Baragon" 1966)
"Frankenstein Conquers the World" weaves a captivating tale that bridges classic horror with the grand spectacle of kaiju cinema. Directed by Ishirō Honda, the film opens with an intriguing premise: during World War II, the immortal heart of Frankenstein's monster is transported from Nazi Germany to Japan. Amidst the chaos of war, the heart is exposed to radiation from the Hiroshima bombing.

Fast-forward to years later, and a feral boy with remarkable regenerative abilities is discovered. This boy, possessing an indestructible heart, grows at an extraordinary rate, transforming into a giant. His existence becomes a subject of scientific curiosity and ethical debate. As the boy-turned-giant grapples with his identity, he faces societal rejection and fear.

The narrative takes a thrilling turn with the emergence of Baragon, a subterranean kaiju causing havoc. The climactic showdown between the giant Frankenstein and Baragon showcases impressive special effects and intense battle sequences that are staples of the genre.

Director: Ishirô Honda
Writers: Reuben Bercovitch, Takeshi Kimura, John Meredyth Lucas
Stars: Nick Adams, Kumi Mizuno, Tadao Takashima
Buy "Frankenstein Conquers the World" (1966) DVD on Amazon (SPONSORED)

July 26, 1966 ad (Seattle)