William Castle
Most people probably have never heard of this director. His movies were mostly from the 50's and 60's and were really schlock horror. But he was a salesman. He knew people would see movies if he could 'sell' them on the idea that they really wanted to see them. So he invented gimmicks.
Most people probably have never heard of this director. His movies were mostly from the 50's and 60's and were really schlock horror. But he was a salesman. He knew people would see movies if he could 'sell' them on the idea that they really wanted to see them. So he invented gimmicks.
In 1959 he released The Tingler, starring Vincent Price. Basically your silly type of movie - so he found a way to pack the house. He had movie houses install random 'joy buzzers' under the seats to go off during key moments of the movie. The audience was also instructed to 'scream, scream as loud as you can' as the 'Tingler' could kill you if you didn't (don't ask how, just see the movie, it's pretty funny).
Other gimmicks he used: Insurance in case you died of fright, nurses in the lobby for those who fainted, movies made in 'Illusion-O' (don't ask, just go see), a million dollar insurance policy on a cockroach in one movie, and other fun things that made seeing a Castle film a little different than the pedestrian movies of the time.
One thing I didn't know: He made the original House On Haunted HIll, again starring Vincent Price. I always thought the version I practically have memorized was an original. Nope. Just an updated copy of his ideas. He really wasn't appreciated (are original, daring talents ever appreciated in their lifetimes?) for his efforts, but he did score one last, major movie that pushed his name into public view: Rosemary's Baby.
Other gimmicks he used: Insurance in case you died of fright, nurses in the lobby for those who fainted, movies made in 'Illusion-O' (don't ask, just go see), a million dollar insurance policy on a cockroach in one movie, and other fun things that made seeing a Castle film a little different than the pedestrian movies of the time.
One thing I didn't know: He made the original House On Haunted HIll, again starring Vincent Price. I always thought the version I practically have memorized was an original. Nope. Just an updated copy of his ideas. He really wasn't appreciated (are original, daring talents ever appreciated in their lifetimes?) for his efforts, but he did score one last, major movie that pushed his name into public view: Rosemary's Baby.
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