Month: June 2026

The Man With Nine Lives a 1940 Boris Karloff Film

Published on by Planet Graple

The Man with Nine Lives is a classic film from 1940 that combines horror and science fiction, and features the iconic Boris Karloff in a memorable role as an obsessive scientist.

This low-budget film is part of Columbia Pictures’ well-known series about “mad scientists” and the plot centers around Dr. Tim Mason, played by Roger Pryor, who is investigating a method called “frozen therapy.” Accompanied by his fiancée and nurse, Judith Blair (Jo Ann Sayers), Tim discovers an old, abandoned laboratory on a remote island. This lab belonged to Dr. Leon Kravaal, portrayed by Karloff, a scientist who mysteriously disappeared while conducting experiments related to suspended animation. Tim and Judith are astonished to find that Kravaal is still alive, preserved in a block of ice. When he is revived, Kravaal quickly returns to his perilous experiments, creating intense conflict with other scientists and law enforcement.

Unlike many films of its time that relied heavily on special effects, and it does well in creating a tense atmosphere through its haunting visuals and shadowy sets. This film serves as an early commentary on cryonics and the ambitions of science, showcasing the potential dangers that can arise when ethical boundaries are crossed.

Although it may not be as renowned as some of Karloff’s more famous films, it is well regarded for his compelling performance. Today, it remains a delightful gem for fans of classic horror and early science fiction.

Did you know that actor Bruce Bennett had a minor role as a state trooper in this film? Just a few years prior, in 1935, he was known as Herman Brix and captured the audience’s attention by portraying Tarzan in The New Adventures of Tarzan. He reprised this role in 1938 in Tarzan and the Green Goddess. Concerned about being typecast as the iconic jungle hero, he decided to change his name to Bruce Bennett. This move allowed him to enjoy a diverse and successful career in film.

A Match Made in Shadow: October and Halloween

Published on by Planet Graple

They’re doing it again—or at least trying. Another holiday has been pulled from its usual spot on the calendar and presented to us months ahead of time. I’m talking about June-O-Ween, or Summerween, the attempt to celebrate Halloween—or at least some of its elements—during June. Stores such as Michaels are already putting out Halloween decorations, trying to squeeze every last drop they can from the holiday before it even has a chance to arrive.

What really caught my attention, though, was the number of YouTube videos popping up in my feed—folks in a hurry to show us all the cool things various stores will be offering during the spooky season.

You know, and this is just my opinion, there is something to be said for allowing a holiday to remain special, to stay seasonal rather than being pulled from its rightful place on the calendar and turned into background noise—something that is always there. By the time the actual season arrives, it just doesn’t feel as special anymore. And how can it when it has become part of the everyday norm?

The whole idea of a holiday is that it is supposed to be set apart, different, unique. The word holiday comes from the Old English word hāligdæg, which literally meant “holy day.” It was formed from two words: hālig, meaning “holy,” and dæg, meaning “day.” Historically, it referred to a day set aside for the observance of a religious event. Over time, the meaning broadened to include days of rest and celebration, whether religious or not. But anyway, enough of the mini history lesson.

I understand that some people embrace the spirit of Halloween year-round. It’s simply part of who they are, and they love sharing that enthusiasm with everyone around them. Honestly, that’s not what bothers me. What frustrates me is the way some content creators (and some stores) treat Halloween like a race to be won.

You know the type. They’re rushing to be the first to reveal what stores will be selling come September, all in pursuit of clicks and views. Now, some viewers probably appreciate those early previews. Maybe they’re planning parties, looking for decorating ideas, or saving up for one of those giant animatronics. That’s perfectly fine. But it’s just not for me.

I want to walk into my local store when the season officially begins and experience that rush of excitement and surprise. No spoilers creeping into my feed in June—or even earlier. Just imagine knowing months ahead of time what presents you were getting for your birthday or what was waiting for you under the Christmas tree in December. It just wouldn’t feel the same, would it?

October already gives us a whole month to let that anticipation build naturally. From wandering through pumpkin patches and navigating corn mazes to hosting horror movie marathons, exploring haunted houses, and perfecting costumes, the entire experience feels like a gradual thrill ride leading up to October 31st.

October isn’t just the month when Halloween happens—it essentially is Halloween.

When you step back and take a look, October is the natural backdrop for the spooky season. As summer fades away, the days grow shorter and darkness arrives earlier. Temperatures cool, the air turns crisp, and the sun casts long dramatic shadows across the landscape. The leaves change to burnt orange, deep crimson, and gold—the same colors we associate with jack-o’-lanterns and autumn decorations.

Pumpkins, corn stalks, and apples flood markets, connecting the holiday to harvest traditions that long predate the modern horror elements we associate with Halloween today. Gray skies and overcast afternoons create a naturally gothic mood, the perfect setting for ghosts and ghouls to make their appearance.

Many ancient peoples believed that October 31st was the night when the boundary between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. The ancient Celtic calendar viewed this period as a liminal time—a “time between times,” if you will. Autumn had reached its peak, and there stood October 31st, balanced between the old season and the arrival of winter with Samhain on November 1st.

See what I mean? Time between times.

In short, October and Halloween are a match made in shadow. The weather, the history, the folklore, and the autumn scenery all come together to create the perfect setting for one magical, slightly eerie season.

Well, this grumpy old fart is gonna bring this to a close.

Happy June-O-Ween.