The Chicken (Monster) Chronicles Part 2

Recently uncovered photos of The Chicken Monster reveal what life was like for the horrendous hen during and after it's debut in THE EDGE OF HELL, which was my original title for what became ROCK N' ROLL NIGHTMARE. The initial cut of the movie and the Canadian VHS release retained that title. Why was it changed? You'll soon be able to read all about it, as John Fasano and I are preparing to publish a book that tells the whole story of our "Canadian Four" horror films of the 1980's. The working title is "Rock N' Roll Zombie Nightmares," and is scheduled for release later this year.

In the meantime, here are some never-before-seen photos of the beloved Chicken Monster:

A nice profile shot, set upon a can of "Friendly Plastic"

Frank holding the Chicken Monster (insert joke here).

In my makeup studio for work on BLACK ROSES,
The Chicken Monster can be seen roosting above the
alarm clock. One of the RNRN Squid Monsters

can be seen at the top of the photo.

Next up, in the final Chicken (Monster) Chronicles segment, the answer to the question eveyone is asking: Where is the Chicken Monster today?

The Chicken (Monster) Chronicles Part 1

The Chicken Monster was created for a what was to be a funny moment in our classic ROCK N' ROLL NIGHTMARE (1987). I started by buying and roasting a small chicken. After letting it cool, I made a mold of it's top side. The underside had to be sculpted in clay, to create the mouth, lips and eyeball. We ran foam latex pieces from the molds, and then I glued in all the teeth, which I had created with Sculpey, a bake-dry sculpting material. Once it was all put together, it was painted to replicate an actual leftover chicken by Vinny Modica. Here is what the final puppet looked like before we shot the film:

And here is how he appeared in the finished movie:

More about this beloved cinematic poultrygeist to come...

Anne Francis 1930 - 2011

Goodbye, my dear friend. You were fabulous a hundred different ways.

From left to right: Sara Karloff, Donnie Waddell, Anne Francis, Frank Dietz, Carol Bauman. Taken on a trip to the Louisville Zoo.

Bacon

I love bacon. My favorite is Pancetta, from a shop called Boccalonne in San Francisco. I wanted to draw bacon today. But it didn't come out very well, so I drew Boris Karloff instead.

Happy Turkey Day!

Enjoy a big, fat bird...

Zombie Nightmare Resurrected!

At long last, the 1986 cult classic ZOMBIE NIGHTMARE has arrived on DVD! Now available at Amazon.com, this was my first starring role, playing "Detective Frank Sorrel" opposite Adam West as "Captain Churchman." Also starring Tia Carrere, John-Mikl Thor, John Fasano and Shawn Levy. Extras include brand new interviews with me and my old pal Fasano, and a full-length audio commentary which alone is worth the price of the DVD.

Order your copy today at Amazon: Zombie Nightmare

A Little Advice From Betty Armstrong

Fay Masterson schools me about danger...