Spooky Audio: THE WHISTLER – “Stormy Weather”!

In honor of the coming storm …

Some days it’s all about bracing for …

“Stormy Weather” originally aired on “The Whistler” on December 12, 1948.

Spooky Audio: LIGHTS OUT — “A Knock at the Door”!

Start October right with this spooky tale:

Mothers-in-law have been the brunt of jokes for generations. But this is a story of one Mother-in-law who has her comeuppance. And it begins with …

“A Knock on the Door” originally aired on “Lights Out” on December 15, 1942.

“Light’s Out” was one of the few horror analogy shows during the golden age of radio that almost exclusively relied on supernatural explanations for their horrors. And stick with this one till the end to hear creator Arch Oboler explain why.

Is the Next “Doctor Who” Companion Aisling Loftus?!?

Tomorrow Steven Moffat will hold a press conference to announce the new “Doctor Who” companion.  And right now the smart is on relative unknown Aisling Loftus (above).  Her highest profile role to date was as “Arrietty Clock” in recent BBC adaptation of the classic children’s book “The Borrowers” which aired in late 2011.  And she certainly fits Daily Mail writer’s tweet:

BBC source has confirmed to me they will unveil new Doctor Who assistant tmrow. She is “pretty” but “not household name”.

But Loftus is not the only name being foisted.   Rumors continue that comedian  Miranda Hart may have role in the upcoming series, possibly as a companion.  While others still cling to the notion that Sophia Myles will return in her role as Madame Pompadour.  Now as a full time companion.  There is a lot of evidence mounting up that she will play a role in the new series.  Our pals at Bleeding Cool have a nice rundown of that here.  But like them we’re highly skeptical of this.

Who would you like to be the Doctor’s next Tardis teammate? Share your thoughts in the comment section.  And, don’t worry, we’ll be here tomorrow with the news and our assessment as soon as it breaks.  In fact, we may be back before then, if any little birds whisper in our ears.

Video: DARK TOWER Moves to HBO!

Video: DARK TOWER Moves to HBO!, posted with vodpod

Audio: Campbell Playhouse: “Jane Eyre”

With a new adaptation of “Jane Eyre” hitting the multiplexes across the pond and DVD shelves stateside, we dug into our archives to pull out this gem.  Orson Welles’ adaptation of  “Jane Eyre” from the Campbell Playhouse broadcast of March 31, 1940.  And, if you think “Jane Eyre” is just some ancient bit of “chick-lit”.    Think again.  It may be that.  But it’s also a major inspiration for Gothic horror.  Don’t believe us?  Click play:

In 1943, Orson Welles would star in a film adaptation of “Jane Eyre” opposite Joan Fontaine.  And it’s a wonderful adaptation full of Gothic atmosphere.  But, frankly, we prefer this version.  Despite a running time of slihghtly less than an hour, it manages to delve more deeply into the dark recesses of the story.

Rare TINTIN Volumes Stolen!

Two rare “Tintin” volumes were stolen in Belgium this summer.  The first was a first edition of Tintin au Congo (Tintin in the Congo) allegedly taken from a glass case at the Royal Museum Of Mariemont in Belgium.  The second was a first edition of Le Crabe aux pinces d’or (The Crab with the Golden Claws) was allegedly taken from a sale in Namur, Belgium.  The video above supposedly shows these thefts and the couple involved.

Tintin has been a popular comic book character in Europe since the forties.  The character is expected to gain greater fame with the release, later this year, of  “The Adventures of Tintin”.  A CGI mocap film, directed by Steven Speilberg, and produced by Peter Jackson.

Source.

Video: More Changes to Original STAR WARS TRILOGY!

The veracity of these clips remains in doubt.  But the fan reaction isn’t.  Once again they’re “up in arms”.  Once again Lucas has “raped their childhood”.  Once again they’re spoiling for a fight.  Looking for blood.  On the rampage.  And any other cliché of anger and outrage that comes to mind.

Do you join in this chorus of indignation?  Or are you more accepting?  Let us know in the comments section.

Frankly, the predictability of Star Wars fan reaction has begun to grate.  It’s become so knee-jerk that it borders on silliness.  And maybe “borders on” is too charitable a term.   But, again, whichever side of the debate you fall, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.  Fire away!  Get worked up!  Vent!

Audio: THE WHISTLER – “Fatal Appointment”!

“The Whistler” was another of the fine thriller anthologies from the Golden Age of Radio.  And this episode is especially thrilling.  It’s all about a unique insurance scam involving a gambler, fifty grand, the suicidal black sheep of a wealthy family and an appointment two years hence … a … “Fatal Appointment”.

If you want more episodes like this … just whistle … in the comments section.

Audio: EARTH ABIDES!

As we promised here’s part two of  George Stewart’s “Earth Abides” from a 1950 episode of the radio series “Escape”.  Fine, fine stuff.

If you haven’t heard part 1 yet, you can find it here.  After listening to both parts you might want to learn more about the author.  Check out the Wikipedia entry on George Stewart here.  Or visit his official site here.

Video: RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES!

Fascinating behind the scenes featurette on the some of special effects in the new hit film Rise of the Planet of the Apes.  Those folks at WETA sure are masters at what they do!