Visiting the Vasquez Rocks!

Vasquez Rocks! Photo by Brett Homenick.

 

On Wednesday, November 5, I visited another well-known filming location for Hollywood productions: the Vasquez Rocks. While there isn't much of a Japanese connection -- unless you count something like Solar Crisis (1990) -- it has much more to do with Universal horror movies. It was used as Borgo Pass in Dracula (1931), as well as the Tibetan mountains in Werewolf of London (1935). It was a blast seeing another popular filming location up close and personal!

Borgo Pass, as seen in Dracula (1931). Photo by Brett Homenick.

Paul Mason, Co-Writer of the American Version of 'King Kong vs. Godzilla,' Passes Away at 92

Paul Mason poses for a photo with his dear friend Hachi.

 

According to producer Vicki Shigekuni Wong, Paul Mason, who co-wrote the American version of King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) with Bruce Howard, passed away on December 26 at the age of 92. 

Ms. Wong posted the following on Facebook:

Paul Mason, my dear friend and mentor for the film Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, passed away peacefully at home on December 26th. He was 92 years old. I had the pleasure of seeing Paul and his beloved wife Kyong (Lee) at my home this past year. He looked younger than ever, with his trademark thick wavy hair! 

A respected film/tv executive, Paul supported my dream of making the film. A bigger-than-life personality, I will forever be indebted to his generous help as Lee, family & friends celebrate his incredible life. Cheers Paul!

In 2012, I interviewed Paul Mason about his work on King Kong vs. Godzilla. While there were no major revelations about the making of the film, it was a fun experience, and Mr. Mason was extremely helpful. Rest in peace.

SPECIAL EXHIBIT AT THE NATIONAL FILM ARCHIVE OF JAPAN: 'History in Posters Part 4: Horror Films'!

The National Film Archive of Japan. Photo by Brett Homenick.

 Earlier today (Wednesday, December 14), I visited the National Film Archive of Japan and took in its special exhibit, "History in Posters Part 4: Horror Films." The gallery featured posters and other memorabilia (shooting scripts, promotional pamphlets, etc.) from horror films from all over the world. The horror movies went as far back as The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) and covered the much more recent J-horror films of the late 1990s and beyond. Shooting scripts for Japanese classics like The Invisible Man (1949) and Portrait of Hell (1969) were on display, as were assorted posters and press sheets for a variety of other great titles. I wish I could have photographed it all, but photography was limited to a specific corner of the gallery. Anyhow, here's just a taste of what I saw. Enjoy!

RIP, Julie Adams

With Julie Adams in 2010.

Word has circulated that Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) star Julie Adams has passed away. I had the privilege of meeting her twice at L.A.-area conventions. The first time (in May 2009) wasn't very memorable; it was a just brief encounter. The second time (in April 2010) was much better, as I got to spend quite a bit of time at her table and talk to her about a variety of subjects, most of which had nothing to do with Creature. (Confession time: I'm not a big fan of the movie.) She was enormously friendly, and even though I met a lot of guests at that convention, she essentially tied with Son of Frankenstein's Donnie Dunagan as my favorite. I'll always appreciate the kindness she showed me.

Rest in peace, Ms. Adams.