The Screen Chills Companion, 1931-1939: Films of the Golden Age of Hollywood Horror

by Chris Fellner

Overview

This first volume of a two-volume set covers every film released during the "first wave" of Hollywood horror (1931-1939), providing 74 chilling entries with important historical context, frightening facts and terrifying trivia. Each entry supplies a detailed production history (derived from trade-publication reports), contemporary press hype, cast, scenario, critiques and behind-the-scenes production tidbits. Postscripts detailing noteworthy events that followed a picture's theatrical run, such as sequels or award nominations, also are featured. An appendix presents a full roster of horror films that came out of New York instead of Hollywood. This complete history of the first wave of Hollywood horror is thoroughly illustrated and meticulously documented.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476696447
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	05/05/2025
Pages:	413
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.83(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Chris Fellner lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Preface
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
Intermission: The Horror Drought (1937–1938)
1939
Appendix: Scares from New York
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Part of the fun of Fellner’s 1930s horror film survey is the inclusion of contemporary reviews that are as lively (and overwrought) as the studio marketing material, which is also included for each of the more than 70 films highlighted here. ...Fellner revisits old dark houses, voodoo swamps, haunted castles, and more. ... This well-researched study covers some well-trodden ground, but Fellner uncovers rarities and lost titles that amplify the volume’s value. Plus, there’s something quaintly appealing about movie critics trying to make sense of mad scientists and monkey costumes.”—Library Journal

From the Publisher