The Dark Descent – A Spooky Stories Podcast!

Get ready to hear two people yellin’ about shoggoths! That’s right, we’re going deep deep DEEP under Antarctica and finding out just WHERE WE CAME FROM and HOW BAD IT SMELLS with Part 2 of our coverage of H. P. Lovecraft’s AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS! We talk timelines, Old Ones, Mi-Go, Cthulhu Spawn, and … Continue reading "The Dark Descent – “At The Mountains of Madness” Part Two!" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Antarctic exploration? Grotesque penguins? Elder Things? Warning signs everyone should probably have taken more seriously?! Let’s descend into the first half of H.P. Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Let’s darkly descend into Robert A. Heinlein’s “They,” a reality-bending tale from David G. Hartwell’s Foundations of Fear. Is its unnamed protagonist delusional, imprisoned in a simulation, or right but for all the wrong reasons? Along the way, we’ll talk paranoia, isolation, collective consciousness, suspiciously localized rain, and the story’s connections to The Matrix, The … Continue reading "The Dark Descent – “They” by Robert A. Heinlein" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

In this episode of whatever we’re calling this show now, Willow and Phil pick apart the incredible “Don’t Look Now” by Daphne du Maurier! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Willow is not here, so I’m all alone. And I’m talking about Nick Antosca’s brilliant short story “The Quiet Boy” which you can read right here! It’s an amazing piece of horror fiction that really affected me a lot when I first rad it and continues to really hit me in the ol’ man heart. … Continue reading "Bonus – Update and “The Quiet Boy” by Nick Antosca" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Let’s talk about “Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark!” It’s not scary! It’s got too much story! Willow loved it! I didn’t! That’s called “The Generation Gap.” It’s 2019’s “Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark!” The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

We’re back! And I have COVID! And it’s “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior!” It’s about a crapsack world and a crapsack guy and a pretty cool dog. “Mad Max 2!” The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

We did it! We watched Guillermo del Toro’s latest major motion picture “Nightmare Alley” and here’s our reaction! Like, not a real-time reaction, but our later reaction. At home. The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Willow and I discuss 1947’s amazing “Nightmare Alley!” We talk about how it compares to the novel, how the performances hold up and what we’d have done differently. You know, because we know so much about making movies? Next week: “Nightmare Alley!” The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Let’s finish up “Nightmare Alley” in a GOOD MOOD shall we? We talk about Stanton’s rise and fall; doing evil vs. being evil; and whether or not Willow could make money in a side show. NEXT TIME: The Movie! Music:Walking Along by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/ Promoted by MrSnooze https://youtu.be/iYOvAO1rAM0 License: CC BY 3.0 https://goo.gl/Yibru5 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Willow and I begin our look at William Lindsay Gresham’s “Nightmare Alley!” We’re looking at the first eleven “cards” in the book and talking about just how screwed up this whole thing is. Music: Walking Along by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.com/ Promoted by MrSnooze https://youtu.be/iYOvAO1rAM0 License: CC BY 3.0 https://goo.gl/Yibru5 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Here’s what’s coming up! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

It’s an It’s Del Toro Time first: a guest! And not just any guest, but writer, editor and all-around genre film expert Ian Nathan. Ian joins us to discuss the man himself (Guillermo del Toro) as well as his new book “Guillermo del Toro: The Iconic Filmmaker and His Work.” Listeners, we had a great … Continue reading "Interview Special – Author Ian Nathan" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Welp! We sure watched “Possession!” You all owe Willow $100! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

It’s so much fun to discover a new favorite horror movie and Willow and I did that very thing with Gary Sherman’s 1981 film “Dead and Buried.” It’s such a great time, the performances are outstanding, the behind the scenes stuff is fun and heartbreaking and the effects work BLEW MY MIND. Check it out! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

In this special “Host’s Request” episode, we’re covering “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” an early horror story by Joyce Carol Oates. Because Willow wanted to and I respect that! If you want to read the story yourself, it’s available for free at Celestial Timepiece along with essays and commentary! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Well, look who’s back! It’s Phil and Willow and we’re talking about 1980’s “The Shining!” It’s a Kubrick film about a man and a hotel and… you know what? You know what “The Shining” is, okay? There’s no way you don’t know what “The Shining” is. Let’s talk about cluster flies instead. The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

What IS this movie?! It’s William Peter Blatty’s directorial debut “The Ninth Configuration” and it’s a DOOZY. Did we enjoy it? Ehhhhhhhh. Did it make an impact? It sure did! Do we recommend it? Well, why don’t you give us a listen and find out! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

When is the scariest movie of all time NOT the scariest movie of all time? When it’s the still VERY GOOD “The Changeling” from 1980! This week, Willow and I talk about Cheesman Park, boys in wells and, most importantly, CONES! GHOST CONES! It’s all about the CONES, baby! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

It’s our most positive episode EVER as Willow and I celebrate ALIEN by talking about EVERYTHING ALIEN! The good, the bad and the awesome! It’s an Alien Celebration, everyone! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

When is a movie sequel NOT a movie sequel? When it’s “Zombi 2!” Lucio Fulci begins his career of gross-out horror with this nutso take on the zombie genre. Call it a gross out; call it demented; just don’t call it a sequel to “Dawn of the Dead.” It’s Zombie! Or, Zombi 2! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Let’s get weird! It’s returning champ Dario Argento’s 1977 masterpiece “Suspiria” starring returning champs Jessica Harper, Rudolf Schündler, Alida Valli, Jacopo Mariani, and Fulvio Mingozzi! Trust me, we’ve seen ’em. “Suspiria!” The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

We’re BACK with a look a the classic kick-in-the-nuts kids movie The Omen! It’s all for who? You you you! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

We’re back to Spain with “Cria Cuervos” the final(?) movie in our “Let’s explore the trauma of Fascism through the eyes of a child” series. Willow and I talk about death, guinea pigs, death, Franco, death and death and still have some time left over to contemplate the nature of death. But, honestly, this whole … Continue reading "081 – Cria Cuervos (1976)" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

I mean, we talk about “Jaws?” We talk about “Jaws.” The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

It’s Giallo Time! This episode, Willow and Phil talk about Dario Argento’s classic “Profondo Rosso” or “Deep Red” or “The Hatchet Murders(?)!” And remember, hot water can scald in wess dan twee seconds! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

We finally did it! We finally saw Victor Erice’s “The Spirit of the Beehive” and talked about it! And it’s just wonderful. Just wonderful. The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Willow and I head off to Appalachia to sing a song with Silver John in Manly Wade Wellman’s “Vandy Vandy.” Do we spot Popeye? Find out! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Willow and I talk about Damons and Demons and little kids who may or may not be ghosts! It’s “If Damon Comes” by Charles L. Grant. The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Hoo boy. Willow and I are back with a doozy. It’s the very famous “Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper” by the very famous Robert Bloch and it’s… not great? It’s not very good, y’all! It’s actually pretty bad! But, we do get to talk about Jack the Ripper a lot! Like, a lot a lot. The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Well, look who’s back. It’s Phil and Willow! And in this episode we’re talking about Fritz Leiber and “Belsen Express!” The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Willow and Phil are barely keeping it together, but they talk about Robert Aickman’s weird weird story “Larger Than Oneself!” Let’s all merge into a glowing ball of light, okay? Anything is better than whatever’s going on here. The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Willow and I get all up in the sticks! Karl Edward Wagner’s “Sticks” that is! These sticks and stone won’t break your bones, but they will get your head caved in by a frying pan! Enjoy! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

BOO! Don’t worry, I’m not a ghost. Or, am I? This week, Willow and I are talkin’ ghosts with Edith Nesbit’s “John Charrington’s Wedding!” It’s short, but spooky! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Willow and I actually talk about the story! It’s “The Autopsy” by the inimitable Michael Shea. Also, what’s a bomb? The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Willow and I touch on a work by the master of speculative fiction: “The Crowd” by Ray Bradbury! And, by “touch on” I mean “kinda talk about a little.” Mostly, we discuss “Screwballs 2: Loose Screws!” Or, I discuss it and Willow sighs a lot. The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Better late than never! Willow and I discuss J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s “Mr. Justice Harbottle!” The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Things are running late this week, so here’s a minisode where I babble incoherently about “An Account Of Some Strange Disturbances In Aungier Street!” The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Let’s get literary! This week, we’re taking a look at Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown.” Is it horror? Is it really even a story? Your guess is as good as ours! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Willow and I get angry at a story that really really should have thought harder about what it was trying to say. It’s “The Whimper of Whipped Dogs” by Harlan Ellison! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Wouldn’t it be chilly with no skin on? That is a question about a scary skeleton song! But, this story is not about scary skeletons, but scary rich people who overstay their welcome in a small town! It’s “The Summer People” by Shirley Jackson! The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Willow and I are here to close out “The Call of Cthulhu” with “The Madness From the Sea!” It’s got everything: ships, drips, and drops. We talk and YOU LISTEN! Also, the incredible Andrew Troth closes out the story for us. Order Andrew Troth’s book narrations here or wherever you buy audiobooks. The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Let’s keep this story truckin’ along with “The Tale of Inspector Legrasse!” Readings this episode were provided by Andrew Troth. Find more of his work here or wherever you buy audiobooks! https://ia903204.us.archive.org/2/items/del-toro-co-c-2/DelToro-CoC2.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

It’s here! Willow and I finally kick off our “The Call of Cthulhu” coverage with “The Horror in Clay!” Readings this episode were provided by Andrew Troth. Find more of his work here or wherever you buy audiobooks! https://ia801702.us.archive.org/22/items/del-toro-co-c-1/DelToro-CoC1.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

There was a problem! https://ia801907.us.archive.org/32/items/del-toro-cthulhu-intro/DelToro-Cthulhu%20Intro.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Willow and I talk about “There’s A Long, Long Trail A-Winding” by Russell Kirk. It’s really good. I mean, I can’t think of much else to say? Hear the original song! https://ia801701.us.archive.org/12/items/del-toro-long-long-trail/DelToro-LongLongTrail.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Willow and I take a look at Lucy Clifford’s “The New Mother.” It’s a creepy little fairy tale that, weirdly enough, is not altogether complete in “The Dark Descent!” That’s right! We have a truncated story! If you’re looking for the complete version, check out “The Anyhow Stories, Moral and Otherwise” online. It’s … Continue reading "The Dark Descent – “The New Mother” by Lucy Clifford" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Willow and I talk baby spiders and maybe witches with M. R. James’s classic horror story “The Ash-Tree!” https://ia903200.us.archive.org/12/items/del-toro-ash-tree/DelToro-AshTree.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week on “The Dark Descent” Willow and Phil discuss John Collier’s grim “Evening Primrose” and the Sondheim musical it inspired! https://ia803200.us.archive.org/12/items/del-toro-evening-primrose/DelToro-EveningPrimrose.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Willow and I are back! And, we’re doing something new for isolation: taking a look at the stories in David G. Hartwell’s “The Dark Descent!” First up: Stephen King’s “The Reach!” https://ia803209.us.archive.org/7/items/del-toro-the-reach/DelToro-TheReach.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Took us long enough, but we’re back! This episode, we look at “Barry Lyndon” everyone’s favorite Kubrick film (apparently)! Is it good? Is it long? Did we cried? We did. BARRY LYNDON! https://ia902908.us.archive.org/22/items/del-toro-barry-lyndon/DelToro-BarryLyndon.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Oh good. It’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” Ollie and I watch a movie that I really liked when I was younger and now know I never need to watch ever again. Ollie agrees. So that’s good. https://ia802908.us.archive.org/11/items/del-toro-chainsaw/DelToro-Chainsaw.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This episode, Ollie and I take a look at one of favorite films of all time and a movie that Ollie culd hardly stand to watch and THEY’RE ARE THE SAME MOVIE. It’s 1974’s “Phantom of the Paradise!” There’s monsters, music and madness and it’s just great. Just super great. https://ia601901.us.archive.org/13/items/deltorophantomparadise/DelToro-PhantomParadise.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Come along for a very special episode where Ollie and I watch Richard Lester’s “The Three Musketeers” and then immediately follow it up with Richard Lester’s “The Four Musketeers!” That’s SEVEN Musketeers! https://ia902907.us.archive.org/9/items/deltoro34musketeers/DelToro-3-4-Musketeers.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

So much has been written about William Friedkin’s adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s bestselling novel “The Exorcist” that it’s hard to find anything new to say about it. But, Ollie and I talk anyway! We talk a lot! About “The Exorcist!” https://ia802909.us.archive.org/14/items/deltorotimeexorcist/DelToroTime-Exorcist.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

We did it! We survived The Devils! And, oh boy, what a film. Like, what a legitimately amazing film. https://ia902902.us.archive.org/28/items/deltorodevils/DelToro-Devils.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

In this episode, Ollie and I crash headfirst into the Seventies with a movie that explores masculinity, the sexual revolution, man’s inhumanity towards man, and BIG BIG TRUCK. It’s Steven Spielberg’s “Duel” from 1971! Also, SHUMP! https://ia802805.us.archive.org/33/items/deltoroduel/DelToro-Duel.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Who Can Kill A Child? We all can! This week, Ollie and I look at “La Residencia” or “The Boarding School” or “The Finishing School” or “THE HOUSE THAT SCREAMED!” It’s a good ol’ Spanish horror film starring a German actress, filmed in English and set in France. EUROPE! That’s how it works. But, does … Continue reading "071 – The House That Screamed (1969)" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This episode, Ollie and I take a look at not one, not two but THREE movies! Yes, it’s 1968’s “Spirits of the Dead” featuring short films by three very different filmmakers and one very dead writer. https://ia802800.us.archive.org/30/items/deltorospiritsofthedead/DelToro-SpiritsOfTheDead.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Ollie and I watch a movie that is near and dear to my heart: Stanley Kubrick’s enigmatic masterpiece “2001: A Space Odyssey” from 1968. What will Ollie think of a very long movie in which very little actually happens? Let’s find out! https://ia802800.us.archive.org/27/items/deltoro2001/DelToro-2001.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

“That was NO DREAM!” Ollie and I take a long long look at Roman Polanski’s 1968 horror masterpiece “Rosemary’s Baby!” Say what you will about Polanski (and WE DO) but… man, this is a good movie. Just so so good. But, does Ollie think so? https://ia802807.us.archive.org/19/items/deltorotimerosemarybaby/DelToroTime-RosemaryBaby.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Gettin’ kitty with it – meow meow meow meow m’meow meow meow. This episode, Ollie and I return to the world of Japan and yokai and revenge and sweaty butts with Kaneto Shindo’s 1968 masterpiece “Kuroneko!” Why does that cat only make one sound? What does a woman’s arm look like? Burps? The Force? All … Continue reading "067 – Kuroneko (1968)" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Hey, it’s us, Ollie and Phil and we’re back with Mario! Mario BAVA, that is! But, there are no ghosts or zombies in this one, just groovy, swinging super-thieves! It’s 1968’s “Danger: Diabolik!” Yeah, baby! Yeah! https://ia803106.us.archive.org/23/items/deltorodangerdiabolik/DelToro-DangerDiabolik.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

So, here’s a heck of a thing: this is a LOST EPISODE! Ollie and I recorded this thing a long time ago and then I NEVER RELEASED IT. But, I stumbled across it recently and was like DANG, so here it is! “Eyes Without A Face!” https://ia903102.us.archive.org/31/items/deltoroeyeswithoutfacebonus/DelToro-EyesWithoutFace-BONUS.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Welcome back to a JUST UNDER THE LINE Halloween spook-em-up! We’re diving back into the world of Toho’s Frankenstein series(?) or attempted series I guess with “The War of the Gargantuas!” A movie that isn’t actually called “The War of the Gargantuas” but is actually called “Frankenstein’s Monsters: Sanda vs. Gaira” or “Duel of the … Continue reading "065 – The War of the Gargantuas (1966)" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Come along and ride on a fantastic voyage Slide slide slippity slide if you’re floatin’ in a body it’s do or die Come along and ride on a fantastic voyage Slide slide hoo ride you better be ready ‘fore an hour goes by We’re doing “Fantastic Voyage.” And . . . a SECRET SURPRISE! https://ia803102.us.archive.org/24/items/deltorofantasticvoyage/DelToro-FantasticVoyage.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

In this episode, Ollie and I take a look at a once-forgotten, now-remembered Hammer Classic, “The Plague of the Zombies!” Is there a plague? No! Are there zombies? Hecks to the yes! Is it good? Oh, you betcha! https://ia801008.us.archive.org/18/items/deltoroplaguezombies/DelToro-PlagueZombies.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Do you know what’s 2 Spoopy 4 Me? Dead kids! This week, Ollie and I look at the deadliest of dead kids in Mario Bava’s “Kill Baby, Kill” from 1966. Of course, you may know “Kill Baby, Kill” better as “Curse of the Dead” or “Curse of the Living Dead” or “Operation: Fear!” or “The … Continue reading "062 – Kill Baby, Kill (1966)" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Oh boy, were Ollie and I ever looking forward to this one! Yes sir! So glad it . . . happened. This episode is all about Frankenstein(‘s Monster’s Heart Recipient) (not) conquering the World! It’s about a giant boy who kills dogs and a man crawling around on all fours. Enjoy. https://ia601000.us.archive.org/18/items/deltorofrankconqworld/DelToro-FrankConqWorld.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

She did the mask. She did the MONSTER MASK! Ollie and I talk about masks and war and sex and tree humping. It’s 1964’s “Onibaba!” https://ia801002.us.archive.org/22/items/deltoroonibaba/DelToro-Onibaba.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Boy oh boy! Ollie and I tackle 1964’s “Kwaidan” and . . . it’s a long one. Like, the movie and the episode. https://ia803005.us.archive.org/34/items/deltorokwaidan/DelToro-Kwaidan.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

These are the stories that inspired “Kwaidan” so you can hear them before the episode on “Kwaidan.” Make sense? https://ia803007.us.archive.org/9/items/kwaidanreadings/Kwaidan%20Readings.mp3 Irregular by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/?keywords=irregular Artist: http://incompetech.com/ Ghost Story by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1300034 Artist: http://incompetech.com/ The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

How do you make the possibility of total global nuclear annihilation seem funny? You just sit down and tell the truth. Stanley Kubrick mined a lot of comedy out of the absurdity of the Cold War in 1964’s “Dr. Strangelove, or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb.” Do Ollie and I … Continue reading "058 – Dr. Strangelove (1964)" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This episode, Ollie and I are back in Kurosawa country with the multi-layered “High and Low.” We look at this seemingly innocuous kidnapping thriller and delve into what was happening in Japan that informed Kurosawa’s telling of the story. It’s quite a trip! https://ia903008.us.archive.org/3/items/DelToroHighAndLow/DelToro-HighAndLow.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, I take a look at the unusual – and unusually neglected – film “The Fallen Idol” by the team that brought us “The Third Man” just a year later. It’s intense, frustrating and a wonderful film. https://ia803001.us.archive.org/21/items/DelToroFallenIdol/DelToro-FallenIdol.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This episode, Ollie is bustling to finish the school year and, well, school in general, so you’re stuck with me as I take a quick look at 1948’s “The Red Shoes!” It’s a classic, y’all! https://ia801009.us.archive.org/27/items/DelToroRedShoes/DelToro-RedShoes.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Oh boy! G-g-g-ghosts are back! Or, are they? Ollie and I talk about ghosts that may not be ghosts in 1963’s “The Haunting” by acclaimed director Robert Wise. Well, actually, we don’t talk about it much because I’m sick and Ollie is . . . Ollie. You know what I mean. https://ia903000.us.archive.org/3/items/DelToroTheHaunting/DelToro-TheHaunting.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

It’s rare that a movie comes along that I have absolutely no context for, but “The Leopard” from 1963 sure took me by surprise. A masterpiece by Italian director Luchino Visconti, “The Leopard” really took me and Ollie by surprise. It’s sumptuous, pensive, melancholy and very long. But not dull. Check it out! https://ia601008.us.archive.org/28/items/DelToroTheLeopard/DelToro-TheLeopard.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week, Ollie and I watch Fellini’s “8½” and . . . it’s not awkward at all. It’s actually a great conversation! https://ia600901.us.archive.org/14/items/DelToroEightAndAHalf/DelToro-EightAndAHalf.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This episode, Ollie and I take a look at the 1962 witchcraft thriller “Burn Witch Burn” OR “Night of the Eagle!” Also, I do that terrible Austin Powers impression again and make Ollie very mad. https://ia803008.us.archive.org/16/items/DelToroBurnWitchBurn/DelToro-BurnWitchBurn.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

You want creepy kids? We got creepy kids! Ollie and I watch 1961’s incredible “The Innocents” based on the Henry James novel and written, in part, by Truman Capote. It’s spooky, gothicy, ghosty and great! https://ia800904.us.archive.org/26/items/DelToroTheInnocents/DelToro-TheInnocents.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This episode, Ollie and I take a look at Hammer’s classic “The Curse of the Werewolf” starring everyone’s favorite problem drinker, Oliver Reed. I say “starring” but Reed doesn’t appear until late in the film and the werewolf doesn’t show up . . . but I’m getting ahead of myself. It’s wolfing time and we … Continue reading "051 – Curse of the Werewolf! (1961)" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This week I’M SPARTACUS! NO, I’M SPARTACUS! No . . . none of us are Spartacus. But, Ollie and I are *watching* Spartacus and it TAKES A WHILE. Because, it’s long. It’s one long movie. Good. But, long. https://ia600901.us.archive.org/28/items/DelToroSpartacus/DelToro-Spartacus.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

We’ve officially begun our two-part “Man, Isn’t Plastic Surgery Scary?” series. Plastic surgeons were the worst surgeons, according to filmmakers in the early sixties and “Circus of Horrors” is a prime example of that sentiment. It’s lucky it’s such a great movie! https://ia800907.us.archive.org/14/items/DelToroCircusHorrors/DelToro-CircusHorrors.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This episode, Ollie and I get BAVAlous! That makes no sense, but I am leaving it in! Ollie and I watch Mario Bava’s classic witch(?) vampire(?) zombie(?) gothic(?) horror(?) movie(!) “Black Sunday!? https://ia800901.us.archive.org/28/items/DelToroBlackSunday/DelToro-BlackSunday.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Do you like the beach? Do you like chess? How about Death? GOTCHA! Ollie and I talk death and chess and beaches and the Middle Ages as we tackle “The Seventh Seal!” https://ia800702.us.archive.org/17/items/DelToroSeventhSeal/DelToro-SeventhSeal.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

It’s about time we got some more of that Monster Man! Ollie and I are back to horror with Hammer’s “The Curse of Frankenstein!” In this movie, Victor IS the monster and the Monster is . . . well, just a monster. BUT. Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee together for the first time? Magnificent. Check … Continue reading "046 – The Curse of Frankenstein! (1957)" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Ollie and I take a moment to talk about Guillermo del Toro’s list of 17 unproduced, yet finished, screenplays! For the original Tweets by del Toro, click here! https://ia800702.us.archive.org/13/items/DelToro17Screenplays/DelToro-17Screenplays.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Wow, a war picture. About how terrible people are to each other. During war. That sounds like a real treat. Well, it *was* a real treat! At least for me! For Ollie? Maybe not so much. “Paths of Glory” is Stanley Kubrick’s first “Stanley Kubrick” film and, while it’s not the most cheerful thing in … Continue reading "045 – Paths of Glory (1957)!" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Who’s ready for some Akira Kurosawa!? NOT US! Ollie and I sit and chat about “Throne of Blood” a movie that liberally adapted from “MacBeth” but that goes its own way. I liked it a lot. Ollie . . . had thoughts. It’s pretty rad and pretty sad and everyone acts pretty bad. But, it’s … Continue reading "044 – Throne of Blood (1957)!" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Ollie and I finally get around to “The Night of the Hunter” which, I’ll be honest, is a profoundly strange movie. We cover a bit of the backstory, a bit of the symbolism and a LOT of the WTFism. It’s great. I mean, it’s really really great. https://ia800704.us.archive.org/7/items/DelToroNightHunter/DelToro-NightHunter.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

HEY EVERYONE! OLLIE IS BACK! In this episode, we get to the amazing and very misunderstood 1954 classic “Godzilla!” It’s not a monster mash! It’s not a cheesy goofy movie! It’s a serious mediation on the devastation wrought upon Japan and the nation’s steady slide into becoming active participants in that devastation. Also, a guy … Continue reading "042 – Godzilla!" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Look, I’m not qualified to discuss Orson Welles! I don’t have a degree in . . . Wellesian Film History! I don’t get what’s going on in his head! But, a deal’s a deal. So, here’s “The Lady From Shanghai!” https://ia802901.us.archive.org/1/items/DelToroLadyFromShanghai/DelToro-LadyFromShanghai.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Wow, I’ve been getting a lot of good movies, lately! “Nightmare Alley” is a . . . Circus Noir(?) from 1947 starring Tyrone Power and Joan Blondell and, man, is it something! It’s got crime and death and drinking and tarot cards and . . . what more do you want?! https://ia802903.us.archive.org/24/items/DelToroNightmareAlley/DelToro-NightmareAlley.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Ollie is still adjust to life on the inside (of school) and so I’m here to talk about prison films, crime noir, HUAC and a bunch of other things I’m no expert on with 1947’s “Brute Force!” https://ia803102.us.archive.org/5/items/DelToroBruteForce/DelToro-BruteForce.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

This Twittersode, I’m taking a quick look at “The Best Years of Our Lives” from 1946. Wyler really upped his game with this one. The original Del Toro tweet is here. https://ia903108.us.archive.org/22/items/DelToroBestYears/DelToro-BestYears.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

I’m here with a new Twittersode, this one about 1942’s propagandastic film “Mrs. Miniver!” It’s got an agenda, and that agenda is DRAMA! I mean, it’s clearly a piece of pro-war propaganda, but it’s also really good! See Guillermo del Toro’s original tweet here! https://ia802809.us.archive.org/21/items/DelToroMiniver/DelToro-Miniver.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

You know what’s nice? To like a movie! And Ollie and I really liked this movie. Sure, we nitpick a bit, but “Creature From the Black Lagoon” is a solid monster flick. Check it out! https://ia802801.us.archive.org/16/items/DelToroCreatureLagoon/DelToro-CreatureLagoon.mp3 The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/

Get ready for some SCARRRY HORROR! It’s the most gruesome, frightening film ever made: “The Thing!” Oh, wait. Sorry. No. It’s “The Thing From Another World!” Not that gruesome. Not that frightening. Not scary. But, man, what a lot of talking there is! Ollie and I end up somewhat underwhelmed by this cinematic classic, but … Continue reading "040 – The Thing From Another World!" The Dark Descent! is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://deltorotime.wordpress.com/