Little Shoppe of Horrors #2: Little Shoppe of Horrors, #2

LETTERS

TO

LSoH

Dear Richard,

Thank you for your letter and for your LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS. I have examined it with great interest, and feel flattered that you have devoted so much space to my own unworthy self. As a matter of fact, you seem to have more stills of the TALES FROM THE CRYPT than I have. It was a bit of a. rush, like most of the Amicus productions. Pretty intensive work they usually are. The present film, the Disney MIDNIGHT RALLY, has been a six-day effort, with very long hours.

Bill Pugmire sent me a long letter from Ireland, where he is trying to convert the nativès to Mormonism. I think he is on a pretty difficult job there!

So I will close now and wish you all the best.

Roy Ashton

England

Dear Richard,

At any rate, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS is a very welcome fanzine. The Film Previews offered a substantial amount of meterial on current Hammer productions that were accentuated with the British ads. These, alone, were worth the price of the zine. ASYLUM, DRACULA '72, and VAMPIRE CIRCUS sound too good to be true…we'll find out this Fall. Congratulations.

Gary Levinson's article on AIP was a mess of badly-written, amateurish, ploddying trash. Your zine is too good to suffer from such sophomoric prattle. Omission of the article would have contributed to more professional gratification.

A Visit with Roy Ashton was most interesting, but I wish the gentleman would have offered further elaboration on the visual demise of Harker in HORROR OF DRACULA. I was informed that this scene was removed only from the American prints. By, the way, what's going on between pages 12 and 13? The photos depict Ashton and an actor collaborating on something very promising(Ed. note: Ashton designing makeup during the first week of shooting on ASYLUM).

Dracula, Legend of Reality is warmed-over stuff that has already been covered in out-of-print editions of SUPERNATURAL, CHRIS LEE BULLETIN, etc.

Chris Fellner's CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN article hardly touched the cerebral significance of Hammer carnage, the gratuitous effects that make poetry of technicolored blood, the surrealism in the color red especially improved in Fisher's erotic imagery, etc. But Fellner did do some research and this is always interesting.

Bill George

Baltimore, MD.

Dear Richard,

I was pleasantly shocked by the outstanding quality of the first issue of your new fantasy filmzine, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS. I sat down and read the magazine from cover to cover, craving every little piece, and it really had a lot of info to offer. The photos you employed were very enjoyable and scarce, and your offset, while not perfect, was basically clear and easy to read. Did you use such a messy and dark ribbon as your printing makes noticed, or did the printers just darken everything? A lighter ribbon might help you to solve your problems. Honestly, I have more problems with ribbons which are too dark than from ribbons which are too light (Gary publishes GORE CREATURES, an excellent filmzine).

All I can say is this. Your zine provided me with endless hours of enjoyment and entertainment, and any fanzine which could do this is marvelous. I eagerly await your second issue, and I wish you all the luck in the world.

Gary Svehla

Baltimore, MD.

Dear Richard,

Your first issue was excellent. I like the way you tell all about yourself in the editorial. I think the editorial is an important part of a fanzine and I hope you will continue it with future issues.

The article on Hammer films was very enjoyable as were the reviews on many films not yet released by Hammer. In one of your fanzine reviews you say a fanzine is starting on a high level and should move up from there. This perfectly describes LSoH. It's one of the finest first issues I have ever seen. The very best of luck on future issues. It's good having another top quality filmzine around.

Ralph Costantino

Lorain, OHIO

Dear Richard,

Congratulations on your zine, LSoH. I received it in the mail yesterday and it is without a doubt the finest first issue of any zine I have ever seen. As the initial efforts of most zines are crude and sometimes very poor, LSoH is off to an exceptionally brilliant start. You're at the top now, where do you go from there?

The AIP article was beautifully covered and very informative, without wasting words on unimportant trivialities as is sometimes the case when similar areas are discussed.

I found the Roy Ashton interview quite enjoyable as I haven't read much about him in the past. Interviews like this often tend to be a little boring, but this one was handled particularly well.

To go on commenting about the various articles would only be a repitition of what I've said in the above paragraphs,. You have an extremely well done publication with interesting, well-researched, and well-written articles. What more can be said?

John Antosiewicz

Perth Amboy, NJ

Dear Dick,

Hope you don't mind this informal letter congratulating you on the first issue of LSoH. I have just finished rereading it(again) and I romain truly impressed.

Your features (all) were of top quality, and your way of presenting various reviews, news items, policies, etc. The re/pre-views of the latest Hammer films were very much appreciated. The checklist of Hammer films goes without saying as a very useful reference guide, and to my knowledge, completely accurate. The AIP article was also top notch(though I believe BUCKET OF BLOOD to be a good early Gorman, I think his best early effort was the thoroughly engaging satire, LITTLE SHOPE OF HORROR)as was the interview with Roy Ashton. My personal favorites, however, were the Hammer previews(probably the headline piece of the issue)and the very engrossing history of Hammer in Hammer-Their World of Fantasy Films.

Indeed the only flaw I could find in the issue was that a few of the photos&ads repros came out blurred (and yet 90% came out perfectly sharp) but this is undoubtably unavoidable.

One of the good points of your fine 'zine is the quality of your paper and type-print. I think it is wise to use such good quality material, though not going to the limits of slick class (PHOTON, CINEFANTASTIQUE)which adds a good deal, to a publisher's budget. Your printer did a great job…every letter in all featured articles was very clear.

On the basis of your first issue, I would definately say LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS will have a bright future.

Charles W. Sauer

Chicago, ILL

Dear Dick,

I enjoyed LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS very,very much - you have an excellent 'zine on your hands - well worth every penny of 75ȼ. The World of Hammer Films was very engrossing although I was dismayed that you gave no mention of Hammer's most famous music composer James Bernard. As you went on discussing Hammers' success and the men responsible, don't you think the musical score Of a film counts? I don't think any of Hammers' films would be anywhere near as good if it wasn't for Jimmy. His music has become a way of life in Hammer films. He has scored for all the really great Hammer films - CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, HORROR OF DRACULA,HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, KISS OF THE VAMPIRE, etc.- and he has worked for Amicus too-TORTURE GARDEN! And who can forget his music for SHE - utterly beautiful! Jimmy is at work on another score for Hammer - FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL(previewed here in LSoH #2-Ed.)which is now in progress. So don't you think a word about this man would be in order. Jimmy is one of the most considerate, kind, and friendly men in this world - how could LSoH overlook him? (A mistake - and we are crushed by your words-Ed.).

Neil Leadbeater

Calgary, Alberta,CANADA

*****

Because we are so cramped for space this issue, what with the great amount of material on Amicus&Film Previews, etc., I am forced to leave out many of the fine letters received. I can honestly say that I did not receive one really bad review of LSoH #1 - and I thank you all. Just to mention some of the people I must leave out: Warren Stein,Greg Shoemaker, Bob Martin, Mike Dobbs, Janet Kroenke,Mike Phillips, Viola Alice Sprenkle,Stew Cherman, Ed Learner, David Szurek, aid especially to Bill Pugmire(still over in Ireland)and his beautiful, detailed four page tribute. If left anyone out, be sure that I appreciated everything that was sent to me - and perhaps I can make up for it in the future.

Well, it is that time again - and the fanzines have really poured in. As is obvious to the reader, only those publications aimed at films are included in this listing. Since that is the topic of LSoH, it naturally follows that it is the general type to be of interest to our readers. Some have commented that I was too generous in my praise of PHOTON and GINEFAHTASTIQUE. It doesn't bother me particularly - if one overpraising review of these two fine magazines can convince a borderline reader to order, then I consider it worthwhile. As far as the prozine field goes, it is rumored that CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN has bitten the dust. Of course it is a real loss if true, but the quality has been fluctuating the last few issues as Cal Beck hasn't seemed sure what direction to take. FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND continues as basically a reprint-zine, and the occasional new material is usually previews on films in release for quite some time. But it does introduce many young readers to the fantasy film world and to fandom - and for that we should be thankful. Forrest Ackerman deserves much better.

REFERENCE GUIDE TO FANTASTIC FILMS: A-F. Walt Lee,Jr.,Box 66273, L.A.,Calif. 9ΟΟ66. Words fail me in describing this masterpiece. Walt Lee has devoted many, many years of his life collecting information on the many fantasy film that have been produced. And if you make any claim at all to being a film-fan, you cannot afford NOT to have this GEM. Pre-publication price was $22.50. After publication $28. $9.50 individually.

CINEMAGIC:#1. Don Dohler,Box 125, Perry Hall, MD. 21128. $1. The first issue is out - while directed toward the amateur filmmaker, it should be of interest to all. A profile of Ernest Farino (SPECIAL EFFECTS CREATED BY RAY HARRYHAUSEN), Homemade Animation Models, Miniature Sets and much more. Top quality in all respects.

BIZARRE:#1. Sam L. Irvin,Jr. 12 Horizon Hill, Asheville, North Car. 28804. $1. The reproduction is really fine - it is too bad that the written material isn't. Too short for the money, too much is standard press-book material. It is nice to look at but certainly doesn't read $1 worth. But the potential for improvement is so great that we can only hope for changes in #2.

THE JAPANESE FANTASY FILM JOURNAL: #9. Greg Shoemaker, 3235 Collingwood, Toledo, Ohio 426l0. 60ȼ. How JFFJ keeps improving is a wonder. The cover is beautifully composed, the interior is very nice. There is no central article this time, but a lot of small features ranging from ripping-reviews of GODZILLA'S REVENGE to a good feature on the SPACE GIANTS television show. #10 promises to have a major lead article. I cannot reccomend this magazine enough.

PHOTON: #22. Mark Frank, 801 Ave. C, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11218. $1. As usual, I'll just get this printed and Mark will have #23 ready, but such is life. No matter what anyone says, I can't praise PHOTON enough. A pro-fanzine it is. It is strange to see an issue that isn't 50% Ron Borst, but in a sense, it is a good that different writers get a chance. Paul Jensen's visit to Freddie Francis shooting on TALES FROM THE CRYPT was my favorite. David Allen's DRAMATIC PRINCIPLES IN STOP-MOTION was sort of a waste. We even get to read Ron Borst doing a hatchet job on a reader in the letter column. What fun!

SPECIAL EFFECTS CREATED BY RAY HARRYHAUSEN: #3. Ernest Farino,Jr., 3030 Ellen St., Irving, Tex. 75062. $1.50. They've gone to a cheaper grade of paper, but the quality of the magazine stays the same - excellent. Now, I hope they can get onto another film besides JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS. In #4 will be the second part of the Harryhausen&Charles Schneer interview.

EXTRAVAGANZA: #1. Dave Tribble,P.O. Box 90759, East Point, Ga. 30344. 35ȼ. A newspaper styled publication, it could be one of the tops of its type very soon. For oldtime fanzine readers, many of the articles can be remembered from Dave's CHAMBER OF HORRORS fanzine, but now that Dave works for 20th Century Fox - the future is unlimited. #1 features a thorough look at HOUSE OF WAX by Larry Richardson.

TWO WORLDS: #2. William J. McMichael, 4939 No. Pulaski Rd.,Chicago, 111. 60630. 50ȼ. Number one was sort of a dud, but #2 shows signs of what Bill can do. He still depends too much on reprinted articles, but as he says, most people haven't read them - and he is right. But there is much more satisfaction in printing new materials, which I'm sure he will do eventually. Kirk Alyn talks all about Superman and the serials if you like that kind of stuff - I don't.

VARULVEN: #4. Joe Viglione, 39 Beverly Rd., Arlington, Mass. 02174. 50ȼ. A 107 page magazine of any type is certainly something to look up to - even if only in perseverence in typing. This is a good(although not great) zine that covers a vast amount of territory. I never thought I could get caught up in a music article, but Joe's FANTASY IN ROCK AND ROLL is fascinating. Have a lot of time