This is Hallowe'en

Just a quick blog entry today.

Hallowe'en has always been my favourite night of the year. For those who don't 'get' it, there's no point getting into debate, you're wrong.

And for those who think it's an American thing, think again and do some research!

Anyway, this post isn't about defending my right to revel in the glorious macabre shenanigans of All Hallows' Eve, it's just an excuse to highlight a handful of my own personal Hallowe'en staples...

Danny Elfman's soundtrack to Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

"This is Hallowe'en, this is Hallowe'en..." seriously, it's perfect in every way.

Robert Wise's 1963 film The Haunting

The first time I saw this film I was alone at night and I had to switch on every light in the house once the film was over.

The BBC's superb Ghostwatch

The programme the BBC refused to air again as it caused one too many nightmares (and a rumoured death!)

The embarrassingly poor yet delightfully entertaining ITV TV movie of The Worst Witch

Tim Curry, Diana Rigg... and a theme tune sung by Bonnie Langford. Should have won Oscars! (*cough*)

Elvira Mistress of the Dark

I chose this picture as it features the wonderful Barry Norman quote; "Elvira is outstanding... well, two bits of her anyway!"

Roger Corman's adaptation of The Premature Burial

...although any Corman/Poe combination will do.

Susan Hill's The Woman in Black

Great book, great stage play, great film (yes, I enjoyed both adaptations!)

El Orfanato

As I sat in the cinema, I was saying to myself "It's just a film, I'm in the cinema... it's just a film..."

I might add that my friend Michelle made me a 'Tomas' costume (which I still own) a few years ago...

Anyway, this list could go on and on, but I shall restrain myself. Have a fun and safe Hallowe'en!