David J. Skal
Directing
Biography
David John Skal was an American cultural historian, critic, writer, and on-camera commentator known for his research and analysis of horror films and horror literature.
Born: June 21, 1952
Place of Birth: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Known For
Vampires: Thirst for the Truth
A documentary that explores man's enduring fascination with the vampire legend by examining historical accounts, literary works, and as they are portrayed in film and television.
Creature Features
"Creature Features" see a has-been rock star Vincent Van Dahl hosts horror films in his haunted mansion with the help of his stalwart butler Mr. Livingston and quixotic housemate Tangella.
Vampira: The Movie
The story of Maila "Vampira" Nurmi, living on the very edge of show business, and her rise to celluloid cultdom 50 years later. Her big break came in 1954 when she played the "glamour ghoul" Vampira, emerging from the mist to greet viewers of obscure horror movies on the new medium— television. Her newfound fame led to friendships with Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Anthony Perkins. But Vampira's show was abruptly cancelled. Nurmi appeared as Vampira again in the 1959 low-budget horror / sci-fi film, Plan 9 from Outer Space, directed by Edward D. Wood Jr. and often dubbed "the worst film of all time." But you can't keep a good vampire down, and Nurmi's character rose from the dead again in 1993's Ed Wood, directed by Tim Burton.
The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster
The history of Frankenstein's journey from novel to stage to screen to icon.
The Perfect Scary Movie
A documentary looking at the various conventions and scare techniques of the horror genre.
The Road to 'Dracula'
A documentary from Universal about the movie "Dracula" (1931) starring Bela Lugosi.
Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters!
A documentary from Universal about the movie Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein.
Back to the Black Lagoon: A Creature Chronicle
Documentary about the making of and legacy of The Creature from the Black Lagoon included in The Legacy Collection box set.
Tod Browning's 'Freaks': The Sideshow Cinema
Documentary recounting the making of Tod Browning's Freaks. Featuring interviews with experts and actual sideshow performers, this film gives a fascinating insight into the cast members, production and public reaction to this controversial classic.
Hollywood's Creepiest Creatures
Elvira hosts this humorous look at movie monsters and facts about the real animals on which they're based. Included: clips from films; and interviews with scientists and various showbiz types, including directors John Carpenter and John Landis, and actors Jeff Goldblum and Roy Scheider.
Filmography
as Self
as Self
as Self
as Himself
as Self
as Self
as Host - Self
as Self / Host
as Self
as Reporter