Interviews Books

"B" movie horrors became a cottage industry in the 1980's making stars, even legends out of many women who starred in these low-budget films. Writer Jason Paul Collum interviews 20 of these women in his new book "Assault of the Killer B's" and also gets us caught up with what these women are up to today. The first interview is with Judith O'Dea who played the doomed Barbara in the original "Night of the Living Dead". O'Dea probably doesn't fit the mold of a scream queen and certainly doesn't see herself that way, but the importance of this film is not lost on her or the fans of the horror genre. O'Dea talks about working for George Romero and John Russo's production company in Pittsburgh in the 1960's, doing voice over work for documentaries and how this film came to be. She relates that much of the dialog was ad-libbed such as when she tells Ben what happened to her and her brother Johnny. She also admits to being truly terrified in the scene where she is dragged out of the house by a horde of zombies.

The largest section of the book features the girls of the Slumber Party Massacre series of films. It would seem that this was the most expansive section due to the fact that so many of these women were available for interviews, unlike some of the other horror franchises. Among those featured are Debra DeLiso, Heidi Kozak, Brandi Burkett, and one of the greatest of all Scream Queens, Brinke Stevens. They all share their thoughts on doing these films as well as the other horror films they've been in.

Collum relates his frustration in trying first to track down and then get interviews with many of the actresses who starred in the Friday the 13th films. Many simply could not be located and many that were flat-out refused to be interviewed. It seems that many, including Adrienne King from the first film had their problems with stalkers and obsessed fans and as a result they've tried to distance themselves from these movies. Collum did manage to land Lar Park Lincoln who played the psychic Tina in Friday the 13th part 7 The new Blood. Lincoln, too, had her problems with a stalker but after many years away has recently made a return to film in bit roles. Also interviewed is Kari Keegan from "Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday"

Stars from Nightmare on Elm Street are also featured including Lisa Wilcox who starred in parts 4 & 5, and Lisa Zane who played Freddy Kruegers daughter Maggie in what was supposed to have been the final film in the series, "Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare".

One of the more enjoyable interviews Collum conducted was with Pamela Susan Shoop of Halloween II. Shoop's long list of TV credits include: Mannix, Night Gallery, The Mod Squad, Wonder Woman, The Incredible Hulk, CHiPs, Knight Rider, Murder She Wrote, and many others. But horror fans will always remember her as the beautiful Nurse Karen in Halloween II, who was perhaps the most famous victim of Michael Myers as she was strangled in the hospital hot tub. Shoop relates how she got an ear infection due to the water being so cold in the "hot tub".

Collum also interviews Cassandra Peterson, AKA Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, the women from the Sleepaway Camp Series, and several more. Collum's book is well-researched and the interviews very conversational in tone. There were some notable omissions from the book such as perhaps the two most well-known scream queens Linnea Quigley and Julie Strain, but all in all, Collum did a great job in tracking down the actresses who played in these now legendary cult films.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

An indispensable series of interviews, highly enjoyable and informative. As usual a comprehensive index makes finding tidbits about your favorite films and participants a snap.

I have read most of Jonathan Kozol's books starting in 1991 with Savage Inequalities. Mr. Kozol writes about reality. He doesn't attempt to change it, by giving money. He doesn't try to change it by offering up solutions to the problems of impoverished children. He mere points out what is. I teach in an inner city school and know, that it doesn't matter how good I am, and the fact that I will reach and inspire many children, will not make a whole lot of difference in the rest of their lives. I keep trying for those children I do reach and maybe make a difference for.

There are a host of new subservice alternative cartoonists on the market: artists who put together political and editorial cartoons from a revolutionary, satirical standpoint - and Rall's Attitude 2 gathers some of the best of these presentations, scouring the alternative press for new voices who do not typically reach mainstream readers. From social commentary and gay life to cartoonist intentions, this pairs interviews with major new figures with black and white samples of their works.

Attitude 3: The New Subversive Online Cartoonists covers online web cartoonists: over twenty daring, original creators whose works appear on the Net. From love and politics to humor and fun, Attitude 3 brings alternative cartooning to an offline audience in book form, presenting works and interviews with over twenty leading online cartoonists who are not limited by big media constraints and rules. Any cartoonist particularly those interested in alternative graphic novels and works will find this absorbing.

This is a handy and entertaining guide to the British cinema with scores of interviews on the greats in all basic categories, from performers to directors to producers to writers to cinematographers. The brief interviews cover main points of the individuals' careers. McFarlane also provides chronological lists of films pertaining to his subjects.

It is great to read the insights of film figures of the stature of Moira Shearer, the dazzling redhead who wowed moviegoers in "The Red Shoes" as well as an interview of director John Schlesinger, who was such a profound influence on British and world cinema with timely works such as "Sunday, Bloody Sunday!" and "Billy Liar." The book also includes a foreword by Julie Christie, who notched a Best Actress Oscar starring in another of Schlesinger's timely sixties' social rebellion films, "Darling," which also starred Dirk Bogarde and Laurence Harvey. Ken Annakin's interview relates how he became involved in film directing as a protege of Sir Carol Reed, and includes his perspectives on Walt Disney and Darryl F. Zanuck, for which he turned out enduring films such as "The Swiss Family Robinson" and "The Longest Day." Oscar-winning cinematographer Guy Green tells about working with David Lean in "Oliver Twist" and "Great Expectations," the latter of which earned him his Academy Award.

A nice feature of this book is that the reader can easily approach the subject matter without regard to sequence, covering the individuals interviewed in order of interest. Just open to the table of contents and look up your favorites.

Back To A Shadow In The Night: Music Writings And Interviews 1968-2001 by music critic Jonathan Cott (who is a contributing editor to "Rolling Stone" magazine), is a selection of compiled interviews, articles, and reflections on and about famous personages of popular music, ranging from the late 1960's to the opening years of the twenty-first century. The unabashed thoughts of such luminaries as John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, and many others fill the pages of this erudite compendium which is strongly recommended for jazz, classical, and popular music enthusiasts.

Fans of Rachael everywhere can learn more about her! Her Backstage Exclusive book is filled with her answers to questions about being on the road, her family, her friends, and just about everything else. Rachael shares her opinions on things you wouldn't think to ask, plus there are great photos and comments from people who know her. If you like Rachael's music, this book is bound to be one of your favorites!

If you're interested in this new christian group with the pop sound you've gotta get this book!!! It tells a general background of the three girls[Kristin Swinford,Chrissy Conway,and Alisa Girard].It also includes many pics, their personal opinions on many issues,and great stories. This book is a must have for ZOEgirl fans!!!

i bought this book in addition to my collection of works that mention my favorite artist-ANI DIFRANCO. some of the books i own offer the author's opinion on why ani is who she is--but this book presents all of the info from a true perspective. the entire book is decorated with valuable info and valid ideas. i suggest this book for any one who holds true admiration for those women who make music so beautiful.