This is topic What happened to all the great Horror actors? in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.


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Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on April 15, 2011, 10:30 AM:
 
I was writing on another forum about this issue, and it occured to me that there really are not any great "Horror" actors today. Have you noticed that?

We once had Vincent Price, Peter Cushing, Peter Lorre, Boris karloff, Chistopher Lee (still have Lee) ect. ..

... but no great Horror actors today, and we really haven't in about thirty years.

Why is this?

My personal opinion is that all the actors mentioned above, (plus too many to mention) were classically trained actors and could appear in any genre comfortably and just happen to make thier mark in one specific genre more notably than in any other. They were capable of much more, while todays horror films actors are just required to hack and maim, heavily made up (in make-up) for the parts.

What are your observations folks?
 

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Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on April 15, 2011, 10:40 AM:
 
Horror movies are no longer of the interest of many people, making they cannot get money now.

Action, Sci-Fi, Romantic comedy (and pure comedy) as well as CGI are the best choice now.
 

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Posted by Dan Lail (Member # 18) on April 15, 2011, 11:00 AM:
 
I think it is because some people now are very narcissistic and shallow just looking for there 15 minutes in the spotlight. Pretending is no good without an intellectual basis of true knowledge. You see it everywhere, even on Youtube.
 

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Posted by Steve Klare (Member # 12) on April 15, 2011, 11:34 AM:
 
I disagree: there are a lot of horrible actors today!

Could it be that horror as a genre is kind of obsolete these days?

-all you need to do is tune in the nightly news and see stuff that makes Frankenstein and Dracula seem kind of tame!

Maybe instead of Horror films what we need lately is something more like "Everything is Wonderful Films".

(Where's Jimmy Stewart when we really need him?)
 

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Posted by Pasquale DAlessio (Member # 2052) on April 15, 2011, 12:00 PM:
 
The horror genre is non existant. It was replaced by splatter films. The actors of today don't pay their dues as did the Bela Lugosi's etc. Even remakes such as Wolf with Jack Nicholson don't add up to The Wolfman with Lon Chaney Jr. There was something about those films that make them impossible to beat. They were certainly more believable than the films of today.
 

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Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on April 15, 2011, 12:56 PM:
 
Interesting comments all.

There are good horror films that still come out today, well, "The Others" may not be horror actually, (though I like it immensely).

I always considered the "splatter" films horror films. Would it be more appropriate to call them "shock" films.

My pick for the best of the modern horror film would be "From Hell" about jack the ripper ... fine film.

I would agree, however, that they are few and far between.
 

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Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on April 15, 2011, 01:24 PM:
 
I was an actor in WOLF, so maybe I'm a part of history (background anyway), but on to the question; CHILLER THEATRE has been trying to get Chris Lee to the show, but not yet
 

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Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on April 15, 2011, 01:50 PM:
 

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Horror movies are no longer of the interest of many people,

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Unfortunately, I'm not sure I can agree with that Winbert. There are a lot of so called horror films being churned out still though I have yet to be able to sit through such work as DRAG ME TO HELL, the SAW series ( is torture-porn classed as horror??)
 

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Posted by Mark Williams (Member # 794) on April 15, 2011, 03:30 PM:
 
Horror Films are actually more popular than ever these days,just look at the box office takings for Scream 4 and the latest SAW movie!!!

Yes I agree the quality of most of them are pretty poor but every so often a great one appears such as Daybreakers or The Night Watch movies.

Torture Porn? no not really these are just o;d fashioned horror movies at heart,so nothing really new there that wasnt done at the parisian grand guigol theatre centuries ago
 

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Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on April 15, 2011, 04:57 PM:
 
I've actually only seen clips from the SAW series and torture porn is the only way I can describe what I saw. Audiences lap such violence up.
 

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Posted by Graham Ritchie (Member # 559) on April 15, 2011, 10:26 PM:
 
I agree with Winbert....although I was never much of a fan of horror movies. The last time I jumped at the movies was way back in 1975 and it was a packed cinema the movie was... "Jaws"
The cinema where I work we avoid the so called horror films of today and keep to family and quality stuff instead

Graham.

PS I should say that was second last time I jumped at the movies. The last time was at "True Grit" that was a real horror story but for a different reason, never did see the end of it, that cinema is still closed as its badly damaged and will be for a long while yet.

[ April 16, 2011, 12:41 AM: Message edited by: Graham Ritchie ]
 

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Posted by Winbert Hutahaean (Member # 58) on April 16, 2011, 04:45 AM:
 

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Unfortunately, I'm not sure I can agree with that Winbert. There are a lot of so called horror films being churned out still though I have yet to be able to sit through such work as DRAG ME TO HELL, the SAW series ( is torture-porn classed as horror??)

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Mike, when we are talking Horror sometime they are Thriller. For me Horror is something with ghost, dracula, sixth sense, zombie etc. I wouldn't say "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" as a horror that we collect in super 8mm, although IMDB category it as horror.

Secondly, when you listed horror movies nowadays, you can only count tens titles from hundreds (or even thousands) other genre films released in a year.
 

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Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on April 16, 2011, 10:32 AM:
 
Funny, I always thought of "Jaws" as a action adventure. I never really thought of it as horror.

Maybe the classification of horror has become rather muddled. When I think of horror, (for instance) I think of a film that gives me a creepy sense of dread and even a little repulsion.

Something that makes me feel very uncomfortable and unsecure leaving the movie theater.

When I first saw the original version of "The Fog", I kind of felt that, (course, I was only 14 or so)

Splatter films just disgust me, and that's not the same thing.

Hey Shorty! Who'd ya play in "Wolf"? I'll keep an eye out for you!
 

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Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on April 16, 2011, 02:17 PM:
 
Random book publisher
 

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Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on April 16, 2011, 02:22 PM:
 
Hey, Shorty, I tried to spot you in MIGHTY APHRODITE but....no luck.
 

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Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on April 16, 2011, 10:52 PM:
 
I doubt that Mr. Lee will be attending 'Chiller'. He's 89 as of this May and he's had heart surgery not too long ago which I'm sure has slowed him down. Recent photos of him show him in a wheel chair whenever arriving or leaving an event. I actually had the privelage of meeting him about 10 years ago in Maryland at a book signing for his autobiography. He was touring all over at the time and I can't tell you what a thrill it was for me to shake his hand and tell him how much I admired his work. Unfortunately, it was all too brief being that there were alot of fans present who paid the special price that I did to be afforded the same opportunity so you were granted about 60 seconds with this great actor. One of the greatest moments of my life that I shall always treasure. He was an absolute gentleman. Funny tidbit... Before he entered the room we were advised not to applaud or make any fuss (Mr. Lee does not feel comfortable with big demonstrations and nobody was to bring up memorabilia to show him being that we could be assured he already owned countless items (props and such) from all the movies he was in and that it would just take too much time. Well, in he walks and everyone rises and proceeds to give him a big ovation. It was quite obvious that he was startled, but he simply smiled - waved for a few moments - and thanked everyone with such grace. What a class act!
 

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Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on April 17, 2011, 07:26 AM:
 
Don't worry, I didn't have any luck either, spotting myself at the racetrack (no luck betting as well), but I'm there - Saved all my paystubs from these movies as proof to those who want to know

I think all the more reason why Mr. Lee would appear at 'Chiller' - An appearance at the greatest sci-fi/thriller show ever, well they are trying
 

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Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on April 17, 2011, 12:16 PM:
 

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...as proof to those who want to know

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It's not that I don't believe you were there - it just would've been fun to spot you is all.

 

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Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on April 17, 2011, 08:00 PM:
 
Chrisopher Lee and Peter Cushing have both attended horror conventions in the past with great apprehension. From what I've been told by people who have worked at these events A-List celebrities get very nervous at these things. It's not an "I'm above that sort of thing" attitude as much as it's fearful for their own safety. They're often concerned they may encounter a psychotic fan who may bring them harm (intentional or not). There's alot of mental illness out there and conventions tend to attract all kinds. One Chiller employee told me that William Shatner refers to it as "mob psychology" and he's had more than his share of bad experiences (some very dangerous). Shatner will impose severe limitations before he'll even consider a live appearance anywhere. I met Mr. Shatner some years back in White Plains, NY at a convention. Only 100 of us were lucky enough to go backstage and meet him. We were told not to shake his hand and not to try to engage him in conversation. He simply smiled at me - signed an 8X10 photo - and then you're out. During his one man show, which preceded the backstage photo signing, there was a Q&A during which one young man became outraged that Bill would not read his screenplay which, naturally, was "Star Trek" oriented. This fellow was clearly not playing with a full deck. These are the moments celebrities fear the most because they have no way of predicting how far someone is willing to go before somebody gets hurt. Having been raised by someone in show business many years ago I can empathize with how they feel. They are in the industry because they love to entertain. They appreciate the fan base they acquire, but they prefer to be admired from a distance. It's often perceived as a "tude", but it's a self-preservation instinct. Let's face it, there's alot of nuts in the world out of touch with reality who actually believe the actors are indeed the very characters they portray. How does one deal with a person like that? Unless you're trained in how to deal with psychoses - you're in a very precarious situation.
 

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Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on April 18, 2011, 10:32 AM:
 
Very true Brad ...

My wife and I have talked a lot about whether this song I'm working on will finally open doors and success could come about. We're really private folks (besides my outgoing nature on the internet!) and were wondering how we would process people wanting to know you.

However, I know I'll always be the same old lovable slob on here!
 

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Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on April 18, 2011, 12:24 PM:
 
Well, just an idea is all - I understand and agree with the performers and those who are cockeyed in their quest to be up close and personal with the performer - I'm in this business and have seen it all too often - I was merely thinking how nice it would be to see some of the last survivors at a show, but the golden age of those times are joyous shadows we must cherish in good memory
 

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Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on April 18, 2011, 12:49 PM:
 
Worrying about how to handle stardom, Osi??

There are a million songwriters out there would love to
1) Have your confidence
2) Know your secret.

 

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Posted by Dan Lail (Member # 18) on April 18, 2011, 01:01 PM:
 

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My wife and I have talked a lot about whether this song I'm working on will finally open doors and success could come about.

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This fellow was clearly not playing with a full deck.

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Some think the monkey men in WOZ are frightening too.
 

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Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on April 18, 2011, 03:50 PM:
 
Joe, I 100% agree it would be marvelous to have the few surviving legends of Cinema Yesteryear attend. I would love the opportunity to come face-to-face with these wonderful performers once again. I am in no way sticking a pin in your balloon. Your idea is a great one. I'm simply theorizing on the "Why Not" criteria that may stand in the way of it happening. Joe, Osi and Gary, I have got to see you fellas in action someday. You sound like extremely capable and talented entertainers. God Bless the gift of performance. This world needs more of you. It's because of fellas like yourselves that we all have this hobby to enjoy.
 

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Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on April 19, 2011, 05:39 AM:
 
Brad, I thought we met at CINESEA in Wildwood - If not, maybe we'll catch up at CINEVENT - The performers we so revere are almost all gone now, and we'll feel the pang of sorrow, which will only be quelled by watching their greatest works over and again, talking about them and forever basking in that glow - Shorty
 

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Posted by Brad Kimball (Member # 5) on April 19, 2011, 09:50 AM:
 
We did meet and Doug posted a picture of us together with my oldest daughter in the group. What I meant by "see you in action" was performing. You, Gary and Osi should go on tour. Osi and his wife can perform their music and, in between, you and Gary can do a little patter for comic relief.

[ April 19, 2011, 11:28 AM: Message edited by: Brad Kimball ]
 

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Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on April 19, 2011, 10:39 AM:
 
What I meant was ...

It's one thing to say, "Well gee, if I made a million dollars, I wouldn't let it go to MY head" ...

and usually they are the first people to fall big time.

My wife knows the score already ...

I would rather be a pauper, with only my wife and son and a few slight dollars in the bank ... then have all the money in the world and have an inflated ego that will cause me to end up losing my family due to my own stupidity.

Look, I have done over 17 albums and for a period of years, I didn't even want to listen to them, because I'd listen to them and wonder why in the hell I was struggling just to make a dollar, when nearly no talent hacks are on the big labels and making millions.

... it's not ego, it's just that the music I've written has a classic pop sensibility that really sells. Everybody that has had the chance to listen to it always say the same thing to me, "Why the hell aren't you out there?"

... and I throw up my hands in frustration.

Now, with the plan my wife and I have qworked out over the last year, we are mere months away from potential success, and I am truly scared of success.

I want the best for my family, to be sure, but I don't want to destroy myself in the process. I know my inner demons, (and my wife is there to help immesuarably), but I'm an artist and like many (not all) artists, I'm quite ego centered.

Thats a short explanation.

Its one thing to look from the outside and say that you can be as good at handling it, it's another thing to inside and dealing with all the tempatations and such that are inherent in the artistic endeavor of choice.

... and I just realized that this topic has completely lost it's direction! Oh well ...

I'd love to do stand-up with Shorty! The question is, who would play Ollie or Stan?
 

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Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on April 19, 2011, 11:01 AM:
 

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Everybody that has had the chance to listen to it always say the same thing to me, "Why the hell aren't you out there?"

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it's just that the music I've written has a classic pop sensibility that really sells.

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That just sounds big-headed.
Why, then, hasn't it sold?

I'm sorry to be blunt.
 

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Posted by Joe Caruso (Member # 11) on April 19, 2011, 12:07 PM:
 
Oh that's right Brad, we DID have a picture, but where is it, haven't seen it yet - Send me a copy if you can - Hope to maybe see you in Columbus
 

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Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on April 19, 2011, 01:02 PM:
 
Nothing wrong with bluntness, my friend.

Of course, the industry isn't waiting on me, I have to come with the right combination of elements (writing, melody as well as just the right time period and the use of the elements available to that time period) to entice the industry as, no matter how good it is, if it doesn't get to the right people, it doesn't matter a hill of beans how truly good it is.

I must say, there are more potential avenues to get your music heard then lets say, fifteen years ago.

I'm very private about my music, as I may very well have an irrational fear of it being stolen. By the way, shake hands with another nearly starving writer!

I should have really re-worded that one statement to be ... "It has a pop sensibility that at one time, sold quite well"

I'm going to try, with this music video, to attempt getting back into it without going through the old fashioned way of doing things, (constant demo's, long coffee house circuits like before, going through the whole "grass roots" method).

I was in the business briefly about 20 or so years ago and taking that road led to nearly nothing but frustration. These days, there are other options.

Oh, here's funny one that I hadn't taken into account ...

It's been 15 years since I last did any vocals on a song! I'm having to re-learn all those little tricks, as I was able to secure a decent microphone, but found enormous problems with my singing that, of course, you don't catch listening to yourself
with "the naked ear"!

To end this post, if nothing comes of it this time around, I'm already happy with the thought that I won't be heartbroken or bitter over it and fortunately, my family won't go without food on the table.
 

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Posted by Michael O'Regan (Member # 938) on April 19, 2011, 01:25 PM:
 

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constant demo's, long coffee house circuits like before, going through the whole "grass roots" method).

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