June's Night at the Cinema!

The heat has descended, with an almost audible thud, and after our usual meal at the restaurant down the street, we go almost as fast as we can manage to the old movie theater for our monthly night out.

And thankfully...the air conditioning is working! We sigh, and after fetching cold drinks at the refreshment counter, we find our favorite seats for tonight's program.

First up is an 1898 rarity from George Melies, "The Damnation of Faust."



The feature presentation is a rare thriller from 1932, "Get That Girl!"



We have a great time as always, and then head up the block to that little cafe for a parting glass...

TERROR TALES by Arthur J. Burks

I recently became aware of the Radio Archives site which carries an impressive array of ebook versions of classic pulp novels, as well as collections of tales from the shudder pulps. This was my first purchase from them and I'm glad I bit.

Terror Tales is the first in a series of collections of pulp horror tales, each a sampling of the work of a single author. And I appreciate how they kick off with a frank word about how these stories are products of their time and can contain examples of racial and ethnic stereotyping typical of the period. In other words, these can be very un-PC and unenlightened, so those inclined to clutch their pearls and judge everything by modern standards had best stay away.

Some of these are more direct horror, and some dance on the edge of weird-menace territory, an odd subset of horror pulp writing that often featured sadistic violence, sexualized situations, and heroes being coerced or convinced into doing horrendous deeds. I've read some full-on examples of that genre...and ew, they can be intense and distasteful. These don't go all the way into that but stay on the borderlands. And interestingly, some stories have mundane menaces, and some are full-on supernatural, and a couple at the end have an odd, almost mystical slant.

"Six Doors to Horror" is a loony, surreal, throw-everything-but-the-kitchen-sink-at-the-reader story about a group of people dining in the home of an aristocratic Chinese man in New York, only running afoul of supernatural forces lurking in a sub-basement crypt. (Naturally, every home in Chinatown has a crypt holding supernatural forces...didn't you know that? One of these days I'll do an essay about Chinatown mysteries...) "Eater of Souls" is set in the Dominican Republic, with a jungle doctor running afoul of a local curse, and his lovely wife falling victim to a plague, and corpse-candles dancing 'round in her bedroom...or are they? Although it seems supernatural, all has a material cause.

An artist and his favorite model (who has the clumsy name of "Darda") go out to eat at an out-of-the-way restaurant in New York, and end up having to battle the "Keepers of the Black Tavern." This story is just violence and sadism in a gothic atmosphere, with a cult that celebrates torture. "Blossoms of Doom" gives us the story of a young woman living on a Caribbean estate left to her by her artist father, with orders that she always live there. But as the man she loves (clumsily named "Clel"...Burks had a thing for weird, clumsy names) comes to visit, the very plants on the estate seem to be trying to kill her, and eerie menaces are around every corner. Is it her possessive (and possibly incestuous) father's ghost? Or is there something more mundane behind it all?

"When a Corpse Commands!" is set in Pennsylvania Dutch country, on an island in a river, and while overflowing with gothic atmosphere and overheated emotions, is basically a murder mystery with a young woman accused of murder, and then of witchcraft by the superstitious locals. She must unmask the real murderer and get away from there to save her own life.

"No Man Escapes Me!" is an odd story, VERY odd, and originally Burks published it under a pseudonym. It is basically a rather run-of-the-mill noir story of passion and attempted murder...but...it's narrated by Death, who observes the goings on with a smug feeling that even if someone escapes this time, then eventually they'll be caught in his nets. "Through Death's Thin Veil" is more mysticism as Death plays a firm role, but there's also a bit of ghost action as well. An aging doctor tries to save the life of a young woman during a blizzard, only he's conscious of Death waiting for him, and a deceased rival doctor mocking him, and maybe a ghost showing up.

This was a fun read, although to be frank the writing is rather poor in spots, especially in the earlier tales. Burks developed grace and style as he went on; the last two stories are arresting in their mystical slant on the usual pulp nonsense.

The good folks at Radio Archives currently have this on sale for $2.99 (regular price $3.99), and at either price it's reasonable for the chance to immerse yourself in pulp terrors. This is worth checking out.

Dust & Corruption Calendar for June 2013

It's June! Summer heat is on its way (or already here), school is letting out, vacation plans being made, etc. The same old thing done every year.

As always, the Observatory in Brooklyn, NY, has a schedule of fascinating talks and workshops.

And Atlas Obscura always lists interesting things in different cities.

Saturdays: Speakeasy Saturdays continue at The Big Hunt; shows start at 9:00, and every Saturday is something different.

6/7 - Best of Burlesque(er)! Burlesque with a queer slant, saluting DC Pride Weekend. The Black Cat, 1811 14th St NW, Washington, DC. 8:45 and 11:00, tix $15 at the door.

6/7 - Nerdtastic Burlesque. What it says...nerdlesque at its best from the Burlesque Classique troupe. CHAW, 545 7th St SE, Washington, DC. 8:00; ticket price unknown.

6/8 - Bad Girls! Twisted Knickers presents their latest burly-q experience, with Tapitha Kix, Cherie Sweetbottom, Beaujolais Nouveau, Cherie Nuit, Eyrie Twilight, and Miz Hips, MC'ed by my pal Hot Todd Lincoln. Yellow Sign Theater, 1726 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD. 8:00, tix $10, available here.

6/13 - Gurlies on Tap! The DC Gurly Show takes over one of DC's new burlesque venues, with Glam Gamz, Velvet Kensington, Private Tails, and Blanche Boudoir. The Bier Baron Tavern, 1523 22nd St NW, Washington, DC. Showtime 9:00, tix $10.

6/15 - Dr. Who Burlesque: Talkin' 'Bout My Regeneration. Swami Yohmami hosts this evening of Who-themed burlesque, with Rev. Valentine, Candy del Rio, Eyrie Twilight, Mab Just Mab, and Nasty Canasta. The State Theater, 220 N Washington St, Falls Church, VA. 9:00, tix $12 and available here.

6/15 - Shocked & Amazed Presents: The Lucky Daredevil Thrill Show! Wild thrills and chills with Tyler Fyre and Thrill Kill Jill. The Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA. 9:00, tix $15, available here.

6/20 - Zou Zou Revue! My lovely friend GiGi Holliday hosts this enticing showcase of burlesque, with Maki Rolle, Glam Gamz, Moxie LaBouche, Lottie Ellington, Betty O'Hellno, and Kelli Limone. The Bier Baron, 9:00, tix $10 advance and $12 at the door.

6/21 - The summer solstice. Longest day of the year. A holiday for some, or just another trudge. Think of it as a turning point and honor it in some way. After all, it's a Friday.

6/21 - Queerlesque! The DC Gurly Show troupe presents an evening of queer-oriented burlesque, in honor of Gay Pride Month. Phase One, 525 8th St SE, Washington DC. 9:30, tix $10.

6/22 - Hotter Than Hell, Sweeter Than Sin. The Red Hot Heathens, a burlesque troupe from Cleveland, comes to DC, and will be joined with local talent for one night only. MOCA DC, 1054 31st St NW, Washington, DC. 8:00, tix $12.

6/23 - Poe in Paris! Opening of an exhibition of Poe's influence in France, running till 9/8. Poe Museum, 1914 E Main St, Richmond, VA. More info here. 

6/24-26 - Positively Poe Conference. Probably far too late to register, but I should note this conference honoring Edgar's positive influence on the world and society. At the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA; co-sponsored by the Poe Museum and the UVA Small Special Collections Library. Information here; if anyone goes, give me a review!

6/27 - Burlesque at the Gibson. My pals at Valentine Candy Burlesque do their monthly gig at one of DC's top cocktail spots. The Gibson, 2009 14th St NW, Washington, DC. (Unfortunately I don't have much further info on this...)

6/27 - Poe Unhappy Hour! Enjoy live music and a cash bar while steeping yourself in the atmosphere of this month's them, "The Premature Burial." The Poe Museum, Richmond, VA. Suggested donation of $5.

6/28 - Poe Forevermore Radio Theater! Live old-time radio drama of three Poe tales: "Berenice," "Frank, the Body Snatcher," (an original tale) and "The Cask of Amontillado." Westminster Hall, W 519 Fayette St, Baltimore, MD. 8:00; tix $20 adv, $25 at the door, available here.

6/28 & 29 - Pasties & Popcorn. Burlesque & sideshow, along with short films, in conjunction with the DC Shorts film festival. VisArts Rockville, 155 Gibbs St, Rockville, MD. 8:30 both days, tix $15.

6/29 - Burlesque-a-Pades! The Pontani Sisters' famous travelin' show, which I've seen several times and it's always a blast and different every year. The Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD. 8:00, tix $20 general public, $15 Creative Alliance members, available here.

Well, that's all I can get info on. If you know of anything, feel free to drop me a line.

A Phantom Recital and a Daring Escapade

A friend dropped a hint to us, so the gang is going for an evening walk in a part of town we don't frequent much. An abandoned church is on a side street, but some say music can be heard at night.

We hear the strange sounds from the church, and Viola, brave as ever, checks a side door as Ramsey and Laura try to peek in a window. Viola holds the door and pulls out her phone as you, James, and May steal inside to investigate. The inside is a ruin, but a shadowy figure sits at the mysteriously-operating organ, playing a strange modern piece. You're steeling yourself, James has balled his fists, and May's black belt in tae kwon do might be put in use; Viola, Ramsey, and Laura are hanging to the back, but you all are stunned when the figure turns as it finishes the music, and you all see the face before it runs out the side door.

Professor Lipsius! The mad genius of crime and diabolism! But...wasn't he drowned in the harbor after we tracked him down last?

We race to follow, and find a trapdoor leading to the city's catacombs. You all pause, unsure, unprepared, a bit frightened at the thought of dealing with him again...



(The piece is actually "Litanies" by Jehan Alain, a French composer and organist who died young. At 39, he was serving in the French army during WWII and died a hero trying to fight a squad of German soldiers. He was hailed as one of the most original voices in music of the 20th century. His sister, who performs the piece, was a highly acclaimed organist who passed away earlier this year.)

THE LAST APPRENTICE: REVENGE OF THE WITCH by Joseph Delaney

So I've actually finished a few things in the last couple of days, so it's time to resume reviewing!

This is the first in Delaney's "Wardstone Chronicles" although it's not marked as such in the U.S. It's technically young adult lit, but that's OK with me; sometimes the YA market has the most solid examples of chiller writing that doesn't wallow in sex and gore. (Check out the works of John Bellairs if you don't believe me.)

This series also has something of a dissociative-identity disorder, as in the UK (where it was first published) it was simply called The Spook's Apprentice. Obviously, the word "spook" has certain connotations in the U.S., so they had to make it a bit more dramatic and palatable by calling the series "The Last Apprentice" and then throwing in new titles...in this case, Revenge of the Witch. However, it's a bit specious as the term "spook" is thrown about pretty freely in the text, although it has no racial implications.

Tom Ward is the seventh son of a seventh son, and as such can see ghosts, ghasts, and other supernatural beings. He's nominated to be the next apprentice of the Spook, who's a sort of freelance exorcist and supernatural troubleshooter, someone needed in their world but also a social outcast. Tom isn't sure about this, and about leaving his home farm, but his mother encourages him. He and the Spook set off across "the County", which is based on Lancashire in the UK, and appears to be in a sort of amorphous past era that could be anywhere from medieval to the early 19th century.

The Spook puts him through some tests to gauge his nerve, and educates him on what's involved in the job. The Spook keeps imprisoned witches in his garden, as it's too dangerous to kill them, and also teaches him about boggarts and ghouls and other charming denizens of the night. Tom also befriends an odd girl, Alice, who might be a witch...or just a trainee. And what are the strange requests she's making?

Revenge of the Witch is a good zesty read, a fun companion on a windy night. The characters are well-etched and the milieu is fascinating. It's hard to tell if this is meant to be a detached, separate fantasy world or a sort of twisted vision of England, and what the exact time period it's supposed to be. The chills are chilling, and while not overtly gruesome they're creepy enough. I had fun with this, and am looking forward to reading the others. (There's 11 books right now, with one coming out next month and another next year. And a movie in the works as well.)

Highly recommended, especially for the Junior Dusties out there.

May's Night Out at the Cinema!

It's a warm, wet night in May as we assemble yet again, catching up on the events in our lives, full of tales of the great finds we made in thrift shops and used book stores, experiences at concerts and shows, or just unexpected good times in museums or parks or any other place we found ourselves.

We finish up dinner and wander down the street to our favorite theater for another night at the movies...

First up is a 1911 bon-bon from George Melies, "Baron Munchausen's Dream."



And the main feature is the 1932 classic "The Most Dangerous Game," in all its glory.



The show's over, and we adjourn to the cafe down the street for a drink...

D&C's DC: Elton Cemetery

The abandoned, neglected cemetery is something some folks think of with delight, something to explore, an adventure waiting to happen. It's either a great spot for sketching or a great spot for black magic rituals, and everything in between.

Recent, I visited Elton Cemetery, a forgotten burying ground that's the only remnant of the long-gone town of Triadelphia, which now lies drowned under the waters of the Triadelphia reservoir in Maryland.

 Elton Cemetery is small and decaying; I first visited it about 10-15 years ago and recall more stones standing than there are now. Go visit if you want to take some fun photos or some notes for a scene in your story.

Elton Cemetery is located in the Triadelphia Recreation Area. If you're in DC, take Georgia Avenue north, through Silver Spring, Wheaton, Olney, and Brookeville. (Brookeville is a charming village worth exploring; park the car on a side street and take a stroll.) Once you pass the intersection with New Hampshire Avenue (Rt 650), turn right on Triadelphia Lake Road (signs will point to the recreation area). The road goes sharply downhill to the boat ramp and parking for the recreation area; don't go there. Instead, just before it dips, there's a parking area on the right. Park there and follow the trail, which leads to Elton Cemetery.

You can also find it by taking Rt 97 south from I-70. If so, I still recommend going south to Brookeville to look around. Great area.
 

This abandoned garden store is along Georgia Ave, south of Elton Cemetery. I couldn't help but stop and take a photo.

This is one of those hidden areas of the U.S. that may disappear in future years...go visit if you can.