The Thing

From the July-August 1982 issue of Cinefantastique, comes this extensive article on the original 1951 movie "The Thing." One of the great early sci-fi films, "The Thing" was actor James Arness' first genre role, only glimpsed fleetingly as the menacing alien. Another sci-fi role followed three years later in "Them!" This time he played the hero, his face not obscured in heavy makeup. The snappy overlapping dialog, a trademark of Director Hawks, helped make a film with a way-out premise seem more realistic and down-to-earth.This article is full of facts and behind the scene photos, so enjoy!

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Below, some of the (thankfully) unused makeup tests range from the hilariously thumb-like Thing (which shows they were once considering taking the "intellectual carrot" premise more literally) to a couple that seem to have inspired the look of the drag queen "Divine," without being quite as unappealing.

1990 Article on Monster Maker Paul Blaisdell: Part 2

Last time, if you recall (if not, read it here), we opened the pages of the May 1990 issue of Cinefantastique, to look at their in-depth retrospective on one of the genre's least-known monster makers; Paul Blaisdell. Least-known by name, that is... but his work has been seen and appreciated by several generations of monster movie aficianados. This time I finish posting the rest of the pages on this talented but somewhat tragic figure whose creations figured so prominently in our monster memories.

(Click on images to enlarge.)

1990 Article on Monster Maker Paul Blaisdell

Although many monster movie fans know his work well, few know much about the man behind so many of the memorable creatures from the low-budget flicks of the 50's and 60's... Paul Blaisdell. I have scanned and am posting (in two parts) this extensive series of articles from the May 1990 issue of the best genre mag ever made, in my opinion; Cinefantastique. We Monster Kids grew up on the movies, and the images of these monsters in various magazines, but never hearing much about their creator. Find out the whole story now!

(Click on images to enlarge.)

Come back for Part Two very soon!