I'm so glad you went ahead and did this because I'm currently enjoying a wonderful 13-chapter Universal production called GANG BUSTERS (1942). Adapted from the radio show of the same name and starring a whole slew of B-picture veterans, including Carl "King Kong" Denham himself, Robert Armstrong. It's been an absolute high-stakes delight with some terrific miniature FX and a formula that works in its favor of keeping the pace up. White-hot American action to help keep morale up during wartime. Can't be beat! https://youtu.be/aEYcGk2xJFo
This is great! Adding to my list. I've got articles in the works that will take a deep dive of all this. Reading Sam Arkoff's memoir to learn about the B-movie magic. More on the way!
Read Corman's memoir early this year - fun stories. Thanks for sharing the documentary and your article. Funny, both AIP and Roger Corman inspire me to make my own movies, over say Nolan or Speilberg haha. There is something about the idea the AIP model that speaks to me more. Maybe I'm just a sucker that license to thrill attitude.
In a better world, a studio like that would still be around to train the next generation of greats. It wasn't an easy gig by any means, but I think it's safe to say that there was what Ralph Bakshi called "the right to fail" when discussing his time at Terrytoons. In his case, it was the idea that just because you did something wrong didn't mean that you were out of a job by the day's end, you had the chance to hone your craft and crank these 'toons out. In the case of AIP, I'd say it's the fact you're not burdened with the pretensions of A-list films, so you have a greater freedom to not only experiment, but to get to do it on a regimented schedule that helped you learn both the practical and artful sides of your craft.
Well said. I think the "right to fail" is a great attitude for any independent artist to adopt. They need the freedom to experiment and practice without the burden of "market demands".
YES.
Chicken run is the greatest animated film of all time.
My gateway drug to all the Aardman Animation goodness. Wallace and Gromit hold a special place in my heart.
This is going to be fun, time to dust off that old time Republic Pictures mountain and eagle logo.
You're in luck, my friend. I will cover Republic Pictures and the whole Poverty Row studios too. So much to cover.
I'm so glad you went ahead and did this because I'm currently enjoying a wonderful 13-chapter Universal production called GANG BUSTERS (1942). Adapted from the radio show of the same name and starring a whole slew of B-picture veterans, including Carl "King Kong" Denham himself, Robert Armstrong. It's been an absolute high-stakes delight with some terrific miniature FX and a formula that works in its favor of keeping the pace up. White-hot American action to help keep morale up during wartime. Can't be beat! https://youtu.be/aEYcGk2xJFo
This is great! Adding to my list. I've got articles in the works that will take a deep dive of all this. Reading Sam Arkoff's memoir to learn about the B-movie magic. More on the way!
The best man to study from. In case you haven't yet, this doc on AIP is a wonderful trip down memory lane: https://youtu.be/vN1_JwSwIm0
And with no shame, I'll add that I did an article some years back discussing the early days of AIP, particularly their focus on the rock-n-roll teen market: https://afistfuloffilm.com/2020/08/23/the-offbeat-marquee-7-dig-this-mack/
I love what Arkoff, Nicholson, and Corman did in those sweet summer years from 1956 to 1970 or so. Great stuff, the lot of it.
Read Corman's memoir early this year - fun stories. Thanks for sharing the documentary and your article. Funny, both AIP and Roger Corman inspire me to make my own movies, over say Nolan or Speilberg haha. There is something about the idea the AIP model that speaks to me more. Maybe I'm just a sucker that license to thrill attitude.
In a better world, a studio like that would still be around to train the next generation of greats. It wasn't an easy gig by any means, but I think it's safe to say that there was what Ralph Bakshi called "the right to fail" when discussing his time at Terrytoons. In his case, it was the idea that just because you did something wrong didn't mean that you were out of a job by the day's end, you had the chance to hone your craft and crank these 'toons out. In the case of AIP, I'd say it's the fact you're not burdened with the pretensions of A-list films, so you have a greater freedom to not only experiment, but to get to do it on a regimented schedule that helped you learn both the practical and artful sides of your craft.
Well said. I think the "right to fail" is a great attitude for any independent artist to adopt. They need the freedom to experiment and practice without the burden of "market demands".
Tarantino has his fair share of pulp too