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Of Gods and Monsters
A Critical Guide to Universal Studios' Science Fiction, Horror and Mystery Films, 1929–1939
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Book Presentation:
While Universal’s Dracula and Frankenstein (both 1931) have received the most coverage of any of the studio’s genre releases, it is the lesser known films that have long fascinated fans and historians alike. Starting with The Last Warning, a 1929 movie released as both a silent and a talkie, Universal provided a decade of films that entertained audiences and sometimes frustrated critics.
Each of Universal’s horror, science fiction and “twisted mystery” films receives an in-depth essay for each film. The focus is first on the background to the making of the movie and its place in the Universal catalog. A detailed plot synopsis with critical commentary follows. Filmographic data for the film conclude the entry. Universal’s The Shadow short film series is covered in an appendix. Many rare illustrations and movie posters are also included.
About the Author:
John T. Soister is a teacher of modern and classical languages, and lives in Denver, Colorado.
Press Reviews:
"concise, definitive essays…in-depth analyses of each film…libraries will definitely want a copy of this intense work"—ARBA; "a fine read"—Midnight Marquee; "thoroughly-detailed…recommended"—Interzone; "43 Universal sci fi, horror and mystery films…are covered in detail…many of these obscure mysteries haven’t been written about at all. Soister has done research [and] discovered new info"—Psychotronic; "fascinating…the book is lavish with its illustrations"—Video Watchdog; "seldom written-about films…. One of the best books of 1999"—Little Shoppe of Horrors; "covers more than 40 films…. The period is significant"—AB Bookman’s Weekly; "in-depth…a must"—VideoScope; "entertaining"—Film Review; "full credits are provided"—Classic Images; "enough new material…to make Soister’s book a welcome addition to any film buff’s library"—Cult Movies; "exhaustive"—Haddon Life; "Soister wisely decides to include critiques of borderline forgotten horrors, mysteries, Crime Club dramas and movies that were included in the Shock Theater television package…commentary is superlative and thought-provoking…infinitely readable…many rare photographs and posters"—Midnight Marquee; "exhaustive guide"—Northeast News Gleaner.
See the publisher website: McFarland & Co
> From the same author:
Down from the Attic (2016)
Rare Thrillers of the Silent Era through the 1950s
by John T. Soister and Henry Nicolella
Up from the Vault (2010)
Rare Thrillers of the 1920s and 1930s
> On a related topic:
Universal Horrors (2017)
The Studio's Classic Films, 1931–1946
by Tom Weaver, Michael Brunas and John Brunas
Universal Terrors, 1951–1955 (2017)
Eight Classic Horror and Science Fiction Films
by Tom Weaver, David Schecter, Robert J. Kiss and Steve Kronenberg
Universal Sound Westerns, 1929–1946 (2011)
The Complete Filmography
Thrills Untapped 2 (2025)
More Discoveries for Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Movie Fans, 1928–1936
Thrills Untapped (2019)
Neglected Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy Films, 1928–1936
Subject: Genre > Science Fiction
The Ghost of One's Self (2017)
Doppelgangers in Mystery, Horror and Science Fiction Films
by Paul Meehan
Subject: Genre > Science Fiction
City of Dreams (2021)
The Making and Remaking of Universal Pictures
Universal Women (2010)
Filmmaking and Institutional Change in Early Hollywood
The Universal Silents (2009)
A Filmography of the Universal Motion Picture Manufacturing Company, 1912–1929
Universal-International Westerns, 1947–1963 (2007)
The Complete Filmography
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