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Post by vaughan on Jul 19, 2009 17:06:28 GMT
Erm, okay....
I now know this IS the same guy.
Are the "Death" films good? Well, I'm pretty sure that in this regard, terms such as "good" don't apply. The Death films (there were three I believe) are Mondo titles. As such they're most certainly not for everyone. Be thinking "Faces of Death", only a bit worse. They show real deaths, mutilated bodies, crime photo's and the like. Nothing faked, nothing staged.
So - I think it would be a bit much to call them good, and they'd certainly be far too much for mainstream cinema viewers, or even most in the hardcore horror crowd.
LeVay narrates the movies. In recent releases they claimed to have an interview with him (spread over three discs), but when I watched the interview it lasts less than 9 minutes (in total!) and there's a (repeated and long) sequence of him playing keyboards (not all that well) as though he was a 70's Rick Wakeman wannabe. Three times we get to hear him say: "You know what the world needs? A good whipping!" So even the interview was not worthy.
I"m almost sorry I brought these up to be honest, I was just surprised to see the guys name here.
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Post by dreadlocksmile on Jul 20, 2009 9:15:33 GMT
I'm confused. Are you talking about the 1989 film 'Death Scenes' that had LaVey narrating over it (basically footage taken from the book of the same name that came out beforehand)? If so, then I honestly can't see how this could be deemed worse than 'Faces of Death'.
'Faces of Gore 1 & 2' were both stronger versions of F.O.D. but LaVey wasn't involved in either.
Unless I'm being a dunbass here and there's a trilogy of mondo films out there that have escaped my radar, I'm slightly baffled.
To my knowledge (and I'm certainly no expert on LaVey) he's never really been director and/or producer on any films.
Most people know him because of his highly controversial Church of Satan, especially due to his book 'The Satanic Bible' - which in my opinion was a self indulgent, egotistical mainstream release that is highly overrated.
Anyway, if you want to go for nasty films...you can't go far wrong with 'Men Behind The Sun' or Marian Dora's 2006 film 'Cannibal'. Although, if you get your grubby mitts on either of them and then judge me for recommending them, then I will deny everything! Hahahaha.
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Post by vaughan on Jul 20, 2009 11:51:08 GMT
Sorry for abbreviating the title as "Death". I am indeed talking of the three "Death Scenes" movies. All three of them. Terms such as "worse" are subjective, but I based my comment on the fact that several scenes from Faces of Death were staged, and/or manipulated for shock value. Whereas the Death Scenes movies are - well, all real to my knowledge. Hence it's "worse" in my mind. I grew up in the 70's, and well remember video before the VRA act and censors got their hands on everything and ruined the party. Faces of Death was a rite of passage back then, as were many gore films (Fulci, Argento, Lenzi, Deodato etc.) With the advent of DVD these became available once again in uncut versions, and I stacked up my collection with all those wonderfully awful (for the most part) films. Men Behind the Sun was one I grabbed, and I think I have Cannibal here somewhere too. Yeah, I watch a lot of movies, but they're not all gorefests (though they're mainly horror). --LOL-- Far from judging you for recommending these titles I applaud your taste. The thing is, going back and reading Guy N. Smith or some Masterton classics is, partially, a nostalgia trip for me. I read many of them in my youth, and it's fun to go back and revisit them. At the same time, watching horror films was also part of my youth, so I indulge that bit of nostalgia too. When you get to a certain age, indulging oneself on the past feels most comfortable.
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Post by dreadlocksmile on Jul 20, 2009 14:09:50 GMT
I think I've only seen the first one of those. As far as I remember it was just various shots zooming into and zooming out of the photos contained in the book, with LaVey blabbering away on top. The book I've got (that the shots were taken from) is this one: 'Death Scenes' the film seemed to me to be simply milking the pics for all they're worth, whilst jumping on the relatively successful 'Mondo' bandwagon. However - I haven't seen any of the sequels, so I can't really comment on those. If you haven't seen 'Cannibal' yet Vaughan, I strongly recommend it, especially if you've got a taste for the nastier side of the horror genre. It's certainly the strongest release I've seen in a while. If you cross Nekromantik with a uncut cannibal movie adding in a limitless ambition for unrelenting gore and sexual perversion, then you're kind of getting the general picture of what to expect.
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Post by vaughan on Jul 20, 2009 19:41:20 GMT
I fear we'll annoy others by going off-topic. I checked and do have Cannibal here, I must get around to watching it soon!
Interesting book that - from what I saw of the film (I have all three here) I was mostly reminded of John Zorn, and his Naked City album cover (If I might be allowed to still call them "albums". )
Even that cover disturbed me, so I'm not sure what I'd gain from a whole book. However, they're just so wonderfully collectible, aren't they? Sort of "I know I'm never going to flick through these - but they're nice to have".
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Post by Steve on Aug 15, 2009 14:33:56 GMT
I've been dragging my feet getting round to writing something about the latest Paperback Fanatic but hopefully my sloth (the deadly sin not the mammal) will at least bump this thread up a bit and renew some much deserved interest in Justin's ongoing efforts. In his editorial, Justin welcomes the magazine's new designer, Glenn Fleming, on board. I must say his input is apparent immediately and the new issue is probably the best looking yet. Still the same basic look but the little touches here and there really show. The wraparound cover showcasing John Holmes extraordinary work for the Ballantine Lovecraft paperbacks is also very striking (although my favourite PF cover to date is still Ade Salmon's 'nasty' original cover for issue 5 - and I'm not just saying that because he might read this!). Contents are impeccable (give or take the odd typo but this is a pulp mag - there should be typos!). Great to see from the letters pages that Peter Tremayne's a regular reader. The Barry Sadler piece is a very nice mix of biography and critical review and I found Justin's reflections on Barry Sadler, the man behind the beret, genuinely quite touching. Initially I thought giving a whole page or more over to a recap of Casca's early career may have been a bit too 'in depth' but, you know, it's nice when these articles include stuff about the content of the books they're featuring and it's not just biographical/bibliographical info. I mean, we're readers, aren't we? Certainly I see myself as a reader rather than a collector. I buy these books for what goes on inside. OK, and the covers. As a bit of a fan of the 'Piccadilly cowboys', the John Harvey interview is just my sort of thing. All the stuff about Laurence James was an added bonus (had no idea, for example, about his involvement in the Double series). The very personal, anecdotal, style of the piece on Gerald Suster made for yet another great read. I hope Justin is going to take up Stephen Sennitt's offer of similar pieces on Eric Ericson and Jack Shackleford? Johnny Mains extensive interview with John Holmes is clearly a labour of love. Both the interview itself and the absolute wealth of photos and illustrations accompanying it were fascinating. I can only really echo what others have already said, Holmes is an inspiring individual (as is Mr Mains in his own way but that's another matter). I believe I used to know Roy Bayfield from my time at the George G. Gilman board. If it's the same person I'm thinking of I remember him as being a lovely bloke. His article on the Ballantine Adult Fantasy series shows much of the same enthusiasm and love for his subject matter as is displayed throughout the Fanatic and help to make it what it is. Excuse the hyperbole but Andreas Decker is something of a German national treasure. He's taught me everything I know about the 'gruselroman' - which is still less than I'd like to know but a hell of a lot more than I did before he helped to open up what would otherwise have been a whole lost world of German and European pulp. More, much more, please. Talking of uncovering things that might otherwise have remained hidden, the fanatic's guide to NEL sex manuals is a real eye-opener. I was vaguely aware of some of the Paul Tabori books and had always seen those Sex Manners titles listed in the back of NEL paperbacks under the (nudge nudge) 'General' category but... well, I had no idea! As revealing as it was often laugh out loud funny. Come on though, Justin, nobody just 'accidentally' accumulates that many sex manuals! What else can I say? Another belting issue and another cracking read. Keep doing what you do, Mr Marriott and all who contribute. R.I.P. Richard Gordon - the whole trip was weird but you made it. I'm thinking of offering a prize of the most uninspired paperback i can find in the charity shop this afternoon to the person who can correctly identify which three covers reproduced in this issue i'll be pestering Justin for scans of. Am I too late to enter, dem? I'll stick with Johnny's guess of French Party Games and add; Dress & UndressThen I'm torn between Double Exposure and The Oldest Profession: A History of Prostitution. Am I getting warm?
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Post by andydecker on Aug 15, 2009 21:15:30 GMT
Thanks for the kind words, steve. They are really appreciated!
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Post by dem bones on Aug 16, 2009 23:09:52 GMT
Am I too late to enter, dem? I'll stick with Johnny's guess of French Party Games and add; Dress & UndressThen I'm torn between Double Exposure and The Oldest Profession: A History of Prostitution. Am I getting warm? Oh yes, that's very nice, that is. I mention in passing that i'm interested in scans of three covers from #10, and you fellows automatically assume they're from the Sex Manual feature, like i'm shallow and only interested in 'horror' for the tits 'n bums 'n balloons. I'm hurting. Anyway, you only got two right between you! French Party Games and Dress And Undress. I played it clever with the third 'cause it's 'George Scarman's The Victim (Corgi, 1982). On a more important note, i heard from Justin earlier and, all going well at the printer, Paperback Fanatic #11 will be upon us shortly. We really should've had some kind of retrospective on 1-10 by now, and i think your review has kick-started it. As i was posting the contents of each issue on WordPress recently, it brought home just how strong the magazine is and, bizarrely, put me in mind of The Unexplained in that, as it continues, the articles and interviews tend to dovetail, eventually building into a nigh on comprehensive history of 'seventies Brit pulp paperbacks, just like it promised on the tin way back when we knew the mag as Pulpmania. One thing's for certain. Each issue has been a shot in the arm to Vault. This coming Tuesday (18th) we'll have been at this for FOUR BLOODY YEARS - can't speak for anyone else but i know i'd never have stuck at it without a regular Paperback Fanatic jab.
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Post by Steve on Aug 17, 2009 6:42:41 GMT
This coming Tuesday (18th) we'll have been at this for FOUR BLOODY YEARS I'm not being funny (why start now?) but it seems longer, Dem. It really does. Seems like a lifetime sometimes - and I've been off sick for most of it. Would agree wholeheartedly though that the Fanatic, man and mag, have both been invaluable.
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Post by justin on Aug 17, 2009 7:52:38 GMT
Feel like I need to respond, but not quite sure what to say. I'm immensely flattered that Dem gives me credit for keeping the Vault going, but that really isn't the case at all. And that's not some attempt at false modesty, them's just the facts. It's the opposite that's true.
It was the Vault's enthusiasm and generosity in sharing information (Dem handing over Bob Lory's contact details being the one that still sticks in my mind) that provided the raw fuel for those early issues of The Fanatic. (along with the massive steroid injection I had to combat the effects of chemo!) If an issue of The Fanatic pops up when people's energy levels are low or posts are sparse and helps provide a gee-up to the Vault, then I'm very happy indeed. But overall I feel a bit like those sucker fishes that swims in the shadow of a shark and feed off his left-overs! The Vault has bought me into contact with many of the contributors and staunchest supporters of the mag, so I still get far more from this board than I've ever given.
Keen not to let this dissolve into some kind of giant-love-in- "no you hang up first" "no you" "no you"- but The Vault acts as a spark for far more positivity and creativity and fun than some shabby old board populated by nerds and ageing degenerate vampire types has any right to. We love you Dem!
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Post by dem bones on Aug 17, 2009 16:19:33 GMT
honestly don't know what to say to that except thank you!
To clear up the Bob Lory episode, it was a no-brainer. I was only familiar with half a dozen of his Dracula Returns books full stop, so it was a case of best man for the job. When i read the resulting interview, i knew i'd done the right thing by him, the readers and me. It's still a personal favourite PF moment - Mr. Lory was on great form - still a favourite Vault moment come to that! I couldn't believe he got in contact!
My only sadness is that, among so many others, i lost all my emails from the Bob's (Lory and Rothwell) when my pc went tits up. There's always a chance you'll find a replacement for that paperback you lost or gave away, but the Bobs' treasured words of kindness and encouragement are gone for good.
I'm with Steve on the best cover to date. Adrian Salmen's 'When Animals Attack' masterpiece by a considerable distance. Of the rest, could be the black backgrounds, but the Haining Tribute issue and the Lory interview worked for me, the latter due to the ace Jan Parker selection on the reverse as much as the cover.
I couldn't pick a favourite issue because they all have splendid moments and part of the appeal has been watching the steady progress, but the Haining tribute would certainly be there or there abouts. And the introduction of the Fanatical Thoughts section was inspired. No matter what tasty interviews and articles, it's the first thing i read in full after the initial flick through and, even if i've had no dealings with many of the correspondents, it always feels like i'm among friends.
Good luck with number 11, Justin.
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Post by allthingshorror on Aug 17, 2009 16:51:58 GMT
As a relative latecomer to the whole Paperback Fanatic phenomenon with Justin supplying me with some lovely back copies and Pulp Mania, I've found the magazine to be a true revelation - and the importance of what Justin is doing with the mag and what Dem is doing here with The Vault cannot be overlooked. And while not many people may care about crumbling books and dodgy covers, WE do - and that's enough and if no-one catalogues this stuff, it will more than not go forever. As far as love-in's go, why not have one once in a blue moon? As long as you wear a condom fashioned from the mould-dappled material of Charles Birkin's shroud, I'm game. To have articles in PF is a true highlight for me, and to post covers, blurbs and anything I can get my hands on for The Vault and to see if anyone responds to them (or not...) makes the day go that little bit better. So cheers to Dem and to Justin and here's to the future. Johnny
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Post by pulphack on Aug 17, 2009 18:13:02 GMT
nothing really original to add to this excpet to echo what johnny says - this is an insignificant little backwater in the great acheme of things, but it's OUR little backwater, and he's right - all of it will just vanish if no-one records it, and then who can we share it with when someone stumbles across a cache of old timmy lea paperbacks?
well done justin for pumping actual cash into it, mind - without that, would any of the rest of us had the spare readies to stump up?
i think anyone who's contributed has done their bit (though some of us feel we should do more, actually), and it's about the sharing of information and favourite titles and authors.
and four years!!! not bad for some short-sighted trainspotters and a bloke who looks like the best bits of alien sex fiend and specimen after a night on the lash (i think you know who you are...) long may it continue.
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Post by marksamuels on Aug 17, 2009 22:02:34 GMT
We do! And the Vault is still my favourite messageboard ever. I come here for insights, and I get them.
The song that sums up Vault for me.
Mark S.
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