Halloween Movies 🎃

[Erestor Arcamen]

Going Universal tonight

 

[Vardarianna]

Not a movie but a TV series. I just watched 'Carrie' and loved it! I know there is an old movie from the 1970s, and I have seen it and liked it, so I was a bit reserved when I started watching this series. I have to say they did a wonderful job with it! I'm niot sure how I feel with how they set up the ending for a possible 2nd season, as they would be heading off into uncharted territory, but we'll see. I recommend seeing the series!

 

[Deimos]

Going Universal tonight

You know, that "concept " of making a similar woman for the monster has always struck me as campy, and yet , it's a pretty good movie! 🙂
And Elsa Lanchester, despite a boatload of distinguished and highly lauded performances on both stage and screen, is most remembered for her role in this movie. Who knew? 😄

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

Appropriate Betty Boops:

 

[Deimos]

Appropriate Betty Boops:

You know The Halloween Party was released 3 NOV 1933.
King Kong was released the previous Spring 1933.
Did you note all the subtle (and not so subtle ) references (throwbacks) to the KK movie?

 

[Erestor Arcamen]

Tonight

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

I'm watching this on Svengoolie.

 

[Deimos]

I'm watching this on Svengoolie.

Yessssssss!

 

[Deimos]

Tonight

Make sure you are watching the [original] UK version which is titled "Night of the Demon"
"Curse..." is the cut version that was released in the US.
I have The original on DVD (that also included the US version., which I have never, ever watched....no reason to) .

OK so here are the differences (there are no spoilers)

The 1957 supernatural horror film directed by Jacques Tourneur—based on M.R. James’ classic short story "Casting the Runes"—underwent changes when it crossed the Atlantic.

Why the Title Was Changed
When Columbia Pictures imported the film for the North American market, they retitled it Curse of the Demon. This was a common distribution tactic at the time. US studios frequently altered titles to make them sound punchier, more dramatic, or better suited for drive-in marquees and American horror-marketing trends.

How the Two Versions Differ
The primary difference between the original British version (Night of the Demon) and the US theatrical cut (Curse of the Demon) is runtime and pacing.

• The Runtimes: The original UK pre-release/long version runs approximately 95 minutes, while the US theatrical cut was trimmed down to roughly 82 minutes to quicken the tempo for American audiences.
• Editing and Rearrangements: Beyond simple deletions, some scenes were slightly reordered or shortened.

Notable Scenes Cut or Altered in the US Version:​

• The Hobart Farm Scene: Entire chunks of a sequence where the protagonist, John Holden (Dana Andrews), visits the remote Hobart farm were removed. In the UK cut, he deals with a hostile farmer and speaks with Hobart's family about sin and blasphemy; the US version skips this entirely, cutting straight to Stonehenge.
• The British Museum Phone Call: A scene where Dr. Karswell calls the men at the museum to demand they stop investigating him and warning them of the consequences is largely missing from the US release.
• The Airplane Sequence: Subtle character-building dialogue between John Holden and Joanna Harrington (Peggy Cummins) regarding sleeping pills, sleeping masks, and a dropped hat was shortened or given alternative camera takes.
• Karswell's Magic Trick: A brief scene where the villainous Dr. Karswell entertains local children by pulling dogs out of his hat using the word "Abrakadabra" was cut down.
• Opening Narration: The prologue spoken over footage of Stonehenge has a slightly truncated opening speech in the US release before cutting to the credits.

While the core plot—an American psychologist trying to debunk a satanic cult leader—remains entirely intact in both versions, the UK version gives the characters more room to breathe, whereas the US version trims out dialogue and atmospheric side-narratives in favor of a faster-paced narrative.

 

[Squint-eyed Southerner]

I'm watching this on Svengoolie.

And after that, The House of Svengoolie, with another 50s classic: