VERY SPECIAL EPISODES

Suitably fab and funky cover design (by Darren Cotzabuyucas) for Lee Gambin's upcoming book TONIGHT, ON A VERY SPECIAL EPISODE, a massive work that examines episodes of American sit-coms that dealt with serious and contentious issues such as rape, drugs, teen sex and pregnancy, alcohol abuse, runaways, racial abuse and child molestation. Featuring an in-depth examination, interviews and filmography (mostly concentrating on the 1970s-90s) I am thrilled to be one of the contributors to this huge volume, having written several pieces on THE BRADY BUNCH and THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES for it. Check the Facebook page for updates, I believe the book is very near completion and should see publication through Bear Manor in the second half of this year.

TONIGHT, ON A VERY SPECIAL EPISODE Facebook Page

TERROR ON TOUR

Recent viewing. A pretty obscure low-budget slasher film from 1980 about hookers and groupies being killed off by someone dressed up as a member of a theatrical hard rock band called The Clowns, whose popularity is on the rise. Visually, The Clowns are a clear mixture of KISS, Alice Cooper, The Undead from PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE and The Baseball Furies from THE WARRIORS. By 1980 when this film was released, KISS were already on the decline in the US and Cooper was also struggling, so it's interesting to ponder who the filmmakers were targeting the movie towards, in terms of its music/horror genre mash. The music featured in the film was performed by The Names, a rock band from Rockford, Illinois. It's no unsung cult gem but I still found it to be an enjoyable piece of low-rent exploitation and musical horror. From the director of the notorious ILSA, SHE-WOLF OF THE SS (and the pilot episode of SILK STALKINGS)!

NEW PODCAST INTERVIEW

I was recently interviewed by film journalist and historian Lee Gambin for an installment of his podcast "The Locust Files", which is now up on the Diabolique website. Had lots of fun spending a couple of hours chatting about my latest book WILDCAT: THE FILMS OF MARJOE GORTNER, as well as discussing my previous (and future) works, my early influences, fave films, etc. Head over to the link below to have a listen!

THE LOCUST FILES Interview with John Harrison