MST3K - Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967)

Gamera vs. Gyaos 

gets the

Mystery Science Theater 3000 

treatment

First Broadcast - 18 Dec. 1988

Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967)

This 1967 offering in the Gamera series was shown under one of several names: Gamera vs. Gyaos (大怪獣空中戦 ガメラ対ギャオス Daikaijū Kūchūsen: Gamera Tai Gyaosu), Giant Monster Midair Battle: Gamera Versus Gyaos, and was also released in the U.S. as Return of the Giant Monsters. Directed by Noriaki Yuasa and written by Nisan Takahashi, this movie marks the first appearance of fan favorite foil for Gamera, the ready-to-rumble giant winged beast Gyaos.

the trailer

the feature

Live Skull - 1986 - CBGB

Often noisy with peaks of audio power/dissonance
paired alongside
valleys of subtler, melancholy laced interludes;
New York City's  
Live Skull
are captured below on July 1986 playing
NYCs legendary venue CBGB.

Filmed by Greg Fasolino.

Reading, Writing, and Reefer (1978)

This anti-drug special was first aired on NBC, in 1978, during prime time and some months later was re-broadcast as an after school special. It profiles some young potheads from the suburbs of Atlanta (a highlight is when a wide array of pot paraphernalia is displayed) and then contrasts that with tough talk from doctors and anti-experts. Curious 40 plus minute video time capsule.

The Van (1977)

Produced by Crown International Pictures, 1977s The Van is a sex comedy focusing on the exploits of recent high school grad Bobby, played by Stuart Goetz who a few years ealier was seen as the nice guy who Marcia blows off for a football player on a 1973 episode of The Brady Bunch.

Bobby lusts for the shapely blonde Sally but her current beau, tattooed tough guy Dugan is not amused by Bobby's interest. Bobby works at a car wash, where his boss (Danny DeVito) also sidelines as a bookmaker. Along the way, Bobby gets into goofy shenanigans, eventually purchases his dream van, and continues to get into R-rated hijinks in his quest for sex.

The van itself is quite a sight. A heavily tricked out and customized 1977 Dodge D300 Tradesman van, extras found inside include a waterbed, mirrored ceiling, an eight-track player, and a toaster; among other items. It also sports a custom paint job, with "Straight Arrow" emblazoned on both sides.

Musician Sammy Johns provides material for the soundtrack, including his 1975 hit single "Chevy Van" even though Bobby's van is a Dodge. Actor Stephen Oliver would return in his role as tough guy/bully Dugan in Crown International Pictures 1978 feature Malibu Beach.

the trailer

the feature

Tales From The Crypt (1972) - Repost

Tales From The Crypt 

(1972) 

Directed by Freddie Francis

Screenplay written by Milton Subotsky 

The 1972 UK filmed horror anthology Tales from the Crypt is one of my favorite examples of combining Christmas themes within a horror film. The first segment presents a not so innocent Joan Collins enduring the pursuits of a murderous man in a Santa suit. 

As horror anthologies go, this is a favorite; with many of the Hammer/Amicus film folks (on and off screen) participating in the production. The Amicus crew also followed this with 1973s Vault of Horror, another horror compendium based on EC comics. 

the trailer

the feature