Category Archives: Posts by Toni Ruberto

Monsters and Matinees: Talking Horror Films and ‘Pre-Code Essentials’ with Co-author Danny Reid

Talking horror films and ‘Pre-Code Essentials’ with co-author Danny Reid Mention a film made any time from 1930 to 1934 to classic movie fans and see how fast someone practically yells “pre-Code!” The term refers to movies made between 1930-34 … Continue reading

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Monsters and Matinees: Not just for Halloween – How to watch horror all year

It’s October and that means Monsters and Matinees is standing on her annual soapbox with this important message: horror movies aren’t just for Halloween. Yes, I’m happy every October to see the large selection of horror films offered on small … Continue reading

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Monsters and Matinees: Discovering Barbara Stanwyck, Horror Queen

Discovering Barbara Stanwyck, Horror Queen The idea of having Barbara Stanwyck in my Monsters and Matinees column never crossed my mind. For starters, she isn’t known for horror films and, honestly, I didn’t feel worthy. Then I found her 1970 … Continue reading

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Monsters and Matinees: At 50, ‘Trilogy of Terror’ still has that killer smile

“Amelia jerked back, pulling up her legs. A shadowy form was scurrying across the carpet toward the bed. She gaped at it. It isn’t true, she thought. She stiffened at the tugging on her bedspread. It was climbing up to … Continue reading

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Monsters and Matinees: Sun, Sand and the ‘Horror of Party Beach’

Summer is a time when we’re drawn to oceanfront vacations with sandy beaches, rolling waves and endless sunsets. It’s a sanctuary of fun in the sun. Or is it? For 50 years, Jaws has made us afraid to go in … Continue reading

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Monsters and Matinees: Spending Quiet Time with ‘The Earth Dies Screaming’

Spending Quiet Time with ‘The Earth Dies Screaming’ In a quaint English village, people are sitting in a parlor by the fire doing what proper Brits do: elegantly smoking and drinking tea. It’s all so genteel inside, yet outside the … Continue reading

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Monsters and Matinees: It’s Earth vs. The Flying Saucers and Harryhausen is there to help

It’s Earth vs. The Flying Saucers Thoughts of flying saucers and alien invasions make me nervous. Though intrigued by the concept enough as a kid to watch movies and read books on the topic, the fact that flying saucers could … Continue reading

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Monsters and Matinees: In ‘Venom,’ a Kidnapping with Unexpected Bite Turns a Thriller into a Horror Film

A Kidnapping with Unexpected Bite Turns a Thriller into a Horror Film One of nature’s most powerful killing machines is loose. Not only is it the deadliest in its class, but the fastest, too. Beyond its physical abilities are its … Continue reading

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Monsters and Matinees: The Evil Queen was a Beast Hidden within a Beauty

The Evil Queen was a Beast Hidden within a Beauty Her lips are as red as a rose, her skin as white as snow and though we can’t see her hair, the dark wimple wrapped around her head and throat … Continue reading

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Monsters & Matinees: Caught in the Silly Grasp of ‘The Giant Claw’

Caught in the Silly Grasp of ‘The Giant Claw’ Monsters, by their very name, are supposed to be monstrous. Perhaps hideous like The Hideous Sun Demon, or beastly like Beast from 20,000 Fathoms. Just throw an exclamation point on a … Continue reading

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