#ONSETSATURDAY: WIRES, HOOKS AND EYES LOOKING FOR BEHIND THE SCENES TRIVIA

#ONSETSATURDAY: Yvonne Monlaur is a shot from Peter Cushing's 'The Brides of Dracula' Poor ol Monlaur's damsel in distress Marianne Danielle, had all sorts of danger to avoid in the vampire's lair, Chateau Meinster... horrible house-keepers, mad Mother's, sinister son's..and CABLES!

  

#ONSETSATURDAY: The first of our on set posts today, on just how Christopher Lee got into that superb looking 'Mummy Costume' in Hammer films, 'THE MUMMY' co starring Peter Cushing back in 1959. . . 

#ONTHESETSATURDAY: Broadcast as part of the traditional SUNDAY NIGHT DRAMA on BBC television on March 6th 1955, Peter Cushing in his memoirs, remembered 'The Moment of Truth' co written by Nigel Kneale, Peter Ustinov as a particularly 'dry old stick'. It was according to Cushing a depressing affair, that not even the talents of director, Rudolph Cartier could lift out of the dull-drums. It was hoped that Cartier and Cushing would rework the magic they had made to great public and critical success just three months previous with their nightmare production of Orwell's '1984'. Alas, it was not to be. Pictured here during rehearsals at the BBC, Cushing as The Prime Minister, Walter Rilla as The Victor and Jeannette Sterke as The Marshall's daughter. The satire-comedy tells the story of a republic which is about to fall, while facing the threat of invading army with crippling government structure. Ustinov wrote the play inspired by French hero Marshal Petain and his political collusion with the Nazi’s and the events resulting in creation of Vichy France. This two hour play started life as a theatre play which premiered at the Adelphi Theatre in 1951.

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#FRANKENSTEINFRIDAY GOES WITH A 'SWING AND A SLASH!' PLUS BIRTHDAY TRIBUTES

#frankensteinfriday: it has to be one of the top prologues to a Hammer film...maybe Dracula, Prince of Darkness, Dracula AD 1972 get the top prizes? ..Frankenstein hacks his way into the latest #frankenstein #petercushing adventure... it's a two part prologue that has quite a few frights. Maybe your favorite too??

ALSO TODAY WE WISH HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ian Ogilvy, a wonderful actor best known for playing playing the role of Simon Templar in the TV series Return Of The Saint (1978-79)….. Ian has starred with three horror legends first with Boris Karloff in The Sorcerers (1967), Vincent Price in Witchfinder General (1968) and with Peter Cushing in two films for Amicus From The Beyond The Grave (1973) and And Now The Screaming Starts (1973)

 

WE ALSO REMEMBER and pay tribute to actress Deborah Kerr, an very talented actress who covered multiple genres of film during her career. Horror fans will remember her, for The Innocents (1961) and Eye Of The Devil (1966). She co-starred with Peter Cushing in The End Of The Affair (1955) which is often considered one of his best pre-hammer film......... What are some of your favourite of her performances?

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#THROWBACKTHURSDAY : AMICUS LOOSES THEIR HEADS AND AN ACTORS LIFE FOR ME

#THROWBACKTHURSDAY: For this post we go back to a time when, unlike today, special effects and the make up department where often the poorer cousins of all the other departments, at the studio. And during the budget allocation, they were often allocated the smallest amount of the budget, and more often then not, the least amount of time to prepare and deliver on the studio floor.....

LITTLE WONDER THEN, that come the climax of many a Horror film, when it comes to the big payoff, the 'reveal'...it was a bit of a anti-climax. Films walked a very shaky line between getting the desired effect, and a reveal that brought the house down, with embarrassing laughter. The case in point here... Cushing's reaction is wonderful! What could it be to make his character recoil with horror like that??? 

THE ANSWER, a very weird look-a-likey of actor, one Joss Akland! Maybe Milton wanted a AA certificate??? It wasn't a mistake, because two mins later, the film delivers a 'chopped off' noggin, that looks equally, if not worse than this one... maybe we can't blame the make up and props people, did they have the budget, the time, the right model artist?? Who knows..... how ironic this scene takes place in a museum full of badly made wax figures of murders and criminals... this dummy head, really is a crime!!!

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#THROWBACKTHURSDAY : HORSE-DRAWN TRIPS TO DEATH!

#throwbackthursday: Here's a ride, you certainly want to pass on... Many of the Hammer films that Peter Cushing appeared in were Gothic fantasies, and set in the era of horse drawn coaches, like this one! Hammer films, hired from Mossman's, who supplied all their livery, coaches and horses. This is a Station Omnibus which was built in London by the Aldebert Company in the 1800's. This type of vehicle was popular with hotel owner,s who would use it to transport their guests between their hotel and stations....or to Castle DRACULA or the chateau MEINSTER! Not a destination you really want to reach!

THE SCREEN CAPS below feature this coach in both Dracula (58) and The Brides of Dracula (60) George Mossman, the owner of the Mossman company, often drove the coaches in the films, being a trained horseman....but if you are waiting for a cab or bus... and this one turns up...you might want to, 'wave it on'!

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#TOOCOOLTUESDAY FOR A BIRTHDAY : AMICUS FILMS MILTON SUBOTSKY

#TOOCOOLTUESDAY: TODAY SEPTEMBER 27TH, WE REMEMBER MILTON SUBOTSKY, one of the co-founders of Amicus Productions along with Max J Rosenberg, he produced his first horror film in 1960, City Of The Dead. He would go one to produce such classics as Dr Terrors House Of Horrors (1965), Tales From The Crypt (1972) , From Beyond The Grave (1973) and many more.

Peter Cushing made a total of 15 films for him, 5 of which co-starred Christopher Lee...

#TOOCOOLTUESDAY: Here is a short clip from a whole interview we shot with Milton at his home back in 1981! This extract appeared in the 'Amicus Vault of Horrors' documentary, that was released last year. Milton and his wife were the perfect hosts, he was the friendliest of people, a real fan at heart, creative with the excitement of a child, when telling you about his ideas ! Here Milton explains about how he rewrote the script for City of the Dead, and why he changed the title

Imageat the top: Milton Subotsky and his family with Vincent Price during the filming of The Monster Club at Elstree studios 1980 — with Peter Cushing, Milton Subotsky, Vincent Price and Amicus Films.

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GRAND MOFF TELSA : THE ARCHITECT OF ULTIMATE POWER AND REVENGE : STAR WARS STEAMPUNK

IT'S ALWAYS A TREAT to receive emails and messages about how some of you out there, build and care for your collections, let me know about new items of memorabilia you have recently purchased or found. For many, their dvd's, vhs cassettes, blu rays and box sets, are thing of eminence value, and not just monetarily. Many, many hours are spent collecting, filing, examining and researching. Collections and artifacts that go back many years, press books, posters, photographs. lobby sets, press cuttings. All items lovingly curated and often displayed, are the bricks and mortar of many fans, hobby. In recent times, there has developed an exciting and wildly imaginative extension to the arsenal for 'the lover of fantasy cinema, literature and comic art'... COSPLAY.  And it is into this world, that I have recently dipped, to become aware of one young man, his love of all things Peter Cushing and Star Wars, who along with amazing support from his highly creative and talented mother, have designed a jaw dropping 'Alternative-Cosplay- Background' to a character called, GRAND MOFF TELSA.

Those emails, I mentioned at the opening of this feature? Well, one day I was busy trying to un-stick some press cuttings from an old scrapbook, when my lap top, announced the arrival of an email. The sticking power of 60 year old glue was trying my patience, so I needed a break, and opened up the mail. After I had read the first email, I KNEW I had to share its contents with everyone at PCAS. . . .  and what I read, now forms this feature . . . 

Dear Friends-

I came across your website doing research for my son's cosplay. He is part of a group called Star Wars steampunk Empire. Being a fan of Peter Cushing and old Hammer Horror movies we picked Grand Moff Tarkin to cosplay as. His back story is that he is Nicola Tesla's younger brother, fed up with all the attention his brother got, he was driven to be the fastest ascending officer in the force. He now commands the Death Star. He is the highest ranking officer in the whole Star Wars series. My son is now obsessed with Peter Cushing & so thrilled they are bringing him back for the newest Star Wars movie. 

I will soon have more professional photos available. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

In peace

Stori Nagel

Grand Moff Tesla is on Facebook, Twitter and instagram

Hi Stori,

My very best wishes to you and your son! Thank you so much for getting in touch and telling me about your son's interest and passion for Peter and his work. It all sounds like enormous fun! The whole Cosplay world is so diverse, and it's wonderful that your son, has made Peter part of that world with role of Grand Moff Tarkin! That is a pretty AMAZING costume by the way. I have a friend who works in the industry, that... I hope you don't mind... I shared your splendid photograph with. He was really very impressed. We both agreed that Peter would have been extremely happy with your attention to detail, as he too, I am sure you know, had a passion for getting right and just so. . . .

I think the back story you have devised for your character is very clever indeed, and shows again the careful consideration you have given. Using Nicola Tesla, as a younger brother is a master stroke, that any script writer at Hammer films, would have been very pleased with!

I wonder if you be happy for me to share some of the details and maybe the photograph at our facebook fan page and website?? The demographics of our society show we attract people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures... Peter Cushing is still extremely popular. It really does make me extremely happy when young people join us. Some of here, are really getting up there in years now and the role of PCAS is really about nurturing younger people to join us too, hopefully the 'next generation of Peter Cushing and Hammer film fans'. We have been here since 1956, so it's our 60th anniversary this year. I have been on board since 1979, with a break for a few years until 2010, and it's a real joy meeting such a diverse collection of people from all around the world. Peter Cushing has always had such friendly fans.

Well please DO keep me informed about your cosplay outings, any conventions you and your son are attending, and how it all goes for you. We have a vast archive of Peter Cushing images and memorabilia, that you are more than welcome to access. I have attached a few images to this email, which I hope you'll enjoy looking at. Maybe you can print them off and 'nail them' to your bedroom wall??? lol I did just that when I was your age!

Again, thank you so much for getting in touch!

My very best wishes to you and your Mum,

Marcus

Marcus-

Boy, I was not expecting so much love from your end, I am completely honored.

Me, whom is writing, I'm Wyatt's mother, Stori. Wyatt is Grand Moff Tesla. I made the story up as part of the biography required to join The Star Wars Steampunk Empire. I have been obsessed with Nicola Tesla for over 10 years. My kids all admire him too. So when I went to write the backstory I just had to include him, since Tesla is included in the Steampunk world. Thank you for the compliment on my writing skills, I have a big imagination, surely spurred on by the Hammer Horror I watched at my Grandmother's house as a kid. The first time I saw him I was just 4, my parents took me to see the first Star Wars movie and my imagination blew up! Nothing real was good enough, I wanted vampires and werewolves to be real! I think Hound of the Baskervilles was my favorite, but I also loved Top Secret, Shock Waves, Creeping Flesh and oh how I love Tales From the Crypt. My children have seen so many old movies, they watch them when my husband and I have date nights. 

When my son expressed interest in being in the Star Wars steampunk society, I knew right away Tarkin was who we were going to embody. We customized an old military dress uniform. I am a seamstress and worked hard to make it an amalgamation of Tarkin and the steampunk culture. Tarkin has no weapons, others do his dirty work, he is that high in rank. So to add more flair we added arm lanyards, a belt buckle featuring over 75 small watch gears. My older son Garret helped us design a special amplifier for the music box mechanism that plays "a new hope" from Grand Moff Tesla's hip. We even got new prescription glasses with gold filigrees with which we added gears. This weekend we are attending our first big convention. I will have professional photos of Wyatt soon after this convention to share with you.

I know exactly what you mean about needing to share movie culture with youth. I was grateful that my uncle shared his old movies with me and so I love sharing with whomever I can. My oldest son Garret is 17 and his favorite all time actor is Vincent Price, my daughter Ruby is 16 and loves Buzby Burkley dance numbers and swoons over James Cagney, Wyatt is just 12( tho he looks older) he loves anything with Kurt Russell and is educating himself on all things Peter Cushing. We would be so honored as a family to be featured on your website and social media. 

Thank you so much for all these great photos. I will share some on my son's instagram. Thank you again, your graciousness has just blown us away. I'm so excited to read your email to the family. I'll be in touch soon.

In peace

Stori

Dear Marcus

 . . . .Wyatt has not yet been accepted into the SWSPE just yet, but odds look good.  He still has to do a few more events, some of them are Justice Jog ( which raise funds for Foster Children in Los Angeles County) September 25th, and Deaf Awareness Day in San Diego on October 8th. There are fun things like The Gas Light Gathering and Oxnard Steampunk Fest not to mention conventions like Comikaze and The Long Beach Comicon. . . . 

  . . . This photograph was taken at Nerd Con in Escondido. In the photo are ( from left to right) Captain Nathan Seekerman, Sabe Sprocket, Lando and Lance Chronos, Steam 3-PO, Grand Moff Tarkin & Dude Vader. Photo by Theresa Blackbird. . . .

All the family are busy right now, kids going back to school and my calendar is out at the publisher. Our family works together to photograph breast cancer survivors as sexy pinups to promote positive body awareness not just with survivors but across the board. Check it out when you get a second! Here's the link:  HERE 

In peace

Stori Nagel

Dear Stori and Wyatt,

Thank you very much for sending all those amazing photographs.. oh and the gif of Truffles! It certainly looks like you have all had a very busy Summer. I have now built the feature about Wyatt and Grand Moff Tesla, including the background biography, which you kindly provided. I am sure there are many lovers of Cosplay and Star Wars, who will find Wyatt's superb costume quite something, and history of the character, very interesting! Plus Wyatt's quest to officially join the Star Wars Steampunk Empire (SWSE)! It's something I would be very interested in keeping in touch about and following. When he gets there, it will certainly be something to celebrate! Can I also thank you for bringing my attention to the really quite amazing work you do with the breast cancer survivors and positive body awareness , your calendar pics and the link. I have made sure to include the link in the feature, and will place it prominently at the end of the feature too. My wife and I spent quite some time, checking out the HOUS OF VOLTA WEBSITE, the photography is really, really excellent, terrific pin ups! The clothes are beautiful too. It's a truly very powerful message you are sending out. I applaud your efforts, and if there is anything I can do to help, promote, shout-out, you only have to say the word.

I have the feature on hold, for you to check it out first, before it goes live and posted. Anything you are not happy about, want to change, or if you have any suggestions to improve what I have done, don't be shy to let me know. I really do want to support Wyatt and your VOLTA WEBSITE too!

Well, settling in the US, is proving to be quite a jolly ride!, but all is good! It's HOT, very hot, much hotter than the UK. I think I have shrunk in the heat, and what is left of me has been attacked by the mosquitoes! What an adventure!

Love to you all!

Marcus 

AND THERE THE FEATURE ENDS . . . What else is in store for Wyatt and the passionate charity and raising awareness work both he and his Mum, carry out through out the year, I hope to report on here at this website and our Peter Cushing Appreciation Society Facebook Page... SO STAY TUNED! Many thanks to Wyatt and his Mum for sharing their story and the many great images they have shared with us. I think Peter Cushing would have been amazed to have read this too!

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LITTLE PET SHOPPE OF HORRORS : HAMMER HOUSE : MARTIN BLUECK

#MONSTERMONDAY : Requested 'Monster' by Lexi Conroy .Twisted Tormentor? Visionary? War Criminal and Murderer? ... nice old guy, who owns a pet shop?? You decide! Peter Cushing's performance for me personally was the highlight of Hammer films return to the small screen 1980, after an absence of some ten years, when they made another classic tv series, 'Journey Into The Unknown'. The Silent Scream is the standout episode, with some real suspense, and a real twisted plot, and killer lines! A young Brian Cox also stars!

UPDATE: At the FACEBOOK FAN PAGE, the vote is in : MONSTER! #monstermonday : When one usually thinks of an 'evil' role Cushing played in his long career...Frankenstein in 'Must Be Destroyed' and Tarkin in Star Wars come to mind... but here is someone who because it was a tv series, many may not be aware of? As featured in our earlier #monstermonday post.... Peter Cushing as Martin Blueck... if you were undecided about his credentials to be pure evil, take a look at this gif..... what a monster! 

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