The article details how Wills O’Brien created certain special effects/creatures featured in King Kong. By Conor Fitzpatrick

“Stanley Theatre” and “Stanton Theatre” from Glazer, Irvin R., 1922-. Philadelphia theatres, A-Z : a comprehensive, descriptive record of 813 theatres constructed since 1724 / Irvin R. Glazer. [031324054X (lib. bdg. : alk. paper)] Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, c1986. (Pg. 214-6)

This excerpt gives a brief history of the Stanley and Stanton theatres, both of which were primary outlets for the exhibition of horror films in Philadelphia. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the one of the city’s newspapers, the Philadelphia Public Ledger. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “Screen Features Now Showing” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “‘Dracula’ – Stanley,” refers to the movie theater located on 19^th and Market in which the movie was exhibited.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Frankenstein that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in one of the city’s newspaper, the Philadelphia Public Ledger. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What Theatres Headline” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “‘Frankenstein’ – Stanley,” refers to the movie theater located on 19^th and Market in which the film was exhibited. By Conor Fitzpatrick

The article details an author’s reading of the poorly received and widely rejected horror film, Freaks. Also, the article reveals that Freaks was shown in a North Broad St. theater, which did not advertise in the Inquirer. This seems to suggest that Freaks was not exhibited at any mainstream theaters in Philadelphia (It was shown in New York, San Diego, and other major cities where it was severely rejected). It also describes several other horror films such as Island of Lost Souls.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

The article details how many of the special effects/creatures were created for King Kong.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

The article details the author’s opinions on several films he does not consider “art.” Also, the author includes more realistic/psychological horror films such as Fritz Lang’s M that he believe to me more shocking/scary than fantastical horror films.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An article published in the Philadelphia Public Ledger that discusses the various themes raised in the movie and how producer Carl Laemmle Jr. tried to insure that the film’s medical practices/methods were accurate.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer that briefly describes Karloff’s growing popularity and how he is the next “Lon Chaney.” By Conor Fitzpatrick

An article published in the Philadelphia Public Ledger that interviews Bela Lugosi. He reveals that he hated his on screen role of Dracula since he had also played the character in the stage version that preceded the film version.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer that details how the filmmakers decided on and created the look of the Frankenstein make-up/costume.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Murders in the Rue Morgue that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the one of the city’s newspapers, the Philadelphia Public Ledger. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What the Theatres Headline” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “Mad Doctor and Ape – Stanton,” refers to the movie theater located on 16^th and Market in which the film was exhibited. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of King Kong that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the one of the city’s newspapers, the Philadelphia Public Ledger. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What the Theatres Headline” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “Prehistoric Ape – Stanley,” refers to the movie theater located on 19th and Market in which the movie was exhibited.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An article published in the Philadelphia Public Ledger that lists the Top Ten Films of 1931 as voted on by Philadelphians. Frankenstein is given an honorable mention award with 48 votes.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An interview with Dracula and Murders in the Rue Morgue star, Bela Lugosi. While the article details Lugosi’s career, more important is Lugosi’s comments that not only do women love horror films, but Hollywood produces such films because women love them. These comments support the notion that women may have strongly attended horror films in Philadelphia and that advertising of such films was directed towards them. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An article published in the Philadelphia Inquirer that explores whether producer Carl Laemmle’s “no children, unless accompanied adult warning” issued for Frankenstein was an elaborate publicity stunt or a genuine advisory note.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde  that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer.  It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. Also, the ad states that the film is “more terrifying that Frankenstein!”  By Conor Fitzpatrick

Horror poster art / edited by Tony Nourmand and Graham Marsh ; foreword by Christopher Frayling. [1845130103 (pbk.) ] London : Aurum, 2004.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Film Poster

This is a film poster that may have appeared in the city of Philadelphia.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANLEY,” refers to the movie theater located on 19th and Market in which the film was exhibited. The review highlights the genius of the book and how many actors have attempted the role of Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the one of the city’s newspapers, the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin.  It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the one of the city’s newspapers, the Philadelphia Public Ledger. It also appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. The ad contains no specific information of when or where the film will premiere, but instead simply states that “Dracula is Coming.” The purpose of this ad is simply to create a kind of mystery/word of mouth “buzz.”  By Conor Fitzpatrick

Dracula Film Poster.

This is a film poster that may have appeared in the city of Philadelphia. By Conor Fitzpatrick

A still image of the film, Dracula, that appears in the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section of the Philadelphia Inquirer. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. This advertisement was released on the day of Dracula’s Philadelphia premiere and includes the location and name of the theater playing the film. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. Also, the ad highlights the midnight showing of the film. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. Also, it is of worth to note that the ad highlights that the film was “held over,” meaning that the film continued to be shown in the theaters in lieu of a new film. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It also appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. The ad contains no specific information of when or where the film will premiere, but instead simply states that “Dracula is Coming.” The purpose of this ad is simply to create a kind of mystery/word of mouth “buzz.” By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Dracula that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANLEY,” refers to the movie theater located on 19^th and Market in which the movie was exhibited. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Frankenstein that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in one of the city’s newspapers, the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin.  It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. Also, it is very important to point out that the advertisement includes a warning that advises parents not to send their children to the film, unless accompanied by an adult. This “warning” may be a clever publicity stunt or a genuine advisory note. The ad, released on the film’s opening day, highlights the midnight showing of the film.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Frankenstein that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the one of the city’s newspapers, the Philadelphia Public Ledger.  It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. Also, it is very important to point out that the advertisement includes a warning that advises parents not to send their children to the film, unless accompanied by an adult. This “warning” may be a clever publicity stunt or a genuine advisory note.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Frankenstein that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. Also, it is very important to point out that the advertisement includes a warning that advises parents not to send their children to the film, unless accompanied by an adult. This “warning” may be a clever publicity stunt or a genuine advisory note. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Frankenstein that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANLEY,” refers to the movie theater located on 19th and Market in which the film was exhibited. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Horror poster art / edited by Tony Nourmand and Graham Marsh ; foreword by Christopher Frayling. [1845130103 (pbk.) ] London : Aurum, 2004.

Freaks Film Poster

This is a film poster that may have appeared in the city of Philadelphia. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of Island of Lost Souls that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It also appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Horror poster art / edited by Tony Nourmand and Graham Marsh ; foreword by Christopher Frayling. [1845130103 (pbk.) ] London : Aurum, 2004.

Island of Lost Souls Film Poster

This is a film poster that may have appeared in the city of Philadelphia. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Island of Lost Souls that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANLEY,” refers to the movie theater located on 19th and Market in which the movie was exhibited. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of King Kong that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in one of the city’s newspapers, the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. It also appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of King Kong that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in one of the city’s newspapers, the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. It also appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of King Kong that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It also appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanley Theatre’s (located at 19^th and Market) showing of King Kong that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the one of the city’s newspapers, the Philadelphia Public Ledger. It also appears that the Stanley Theatre along with the Stanton Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

Horror poster art / edited by Tony Nourmand and Graham Marsh ; foreword by Christopher Frayling. [1845130103 (pbk.) ] London : Aurum, 2004.

King Kong Film Poster. Art by S. Barret McCormick & Bob Sisk.

This is a film poster that may have appeared in the city of Philadelphia. By Conor Fitzpatrick

A still image of the film, King Kong, which appears in the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section of the Philadelphia Inquirer.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of King Kong that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANLEY,” refers to the movie theater located on 19th and Market in which the movie was exhibited.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanton Theatre’s (located at 16^th and Market) showing of Murders in the Rue Morgue that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the one of the city’s newspapers, the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin.  It appears that the Stanton Theatre along with the Stanley Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanton Theatre’s (located at 16^th and Market) showing of Murders in the Rue Morgue that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It appears that the Stanton Theatre along with the Stanley Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanton Theatre’s (located at 16^th and Market) showing of Murders in the Rue Morgue that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the one of the city’s newspapers, the Philadelphia Public Ledger.  It appears that the Stanton Theatre along with the Stanley Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. This ad was released on the day of the film’s premiere and also promoted midnight showing.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

Horror poster art / edited by Tony Nourmand and Graham Marsh ; foreword by Christopher Frayling. [1845130103 (pbk.) ] London : Aurum, 2004.

Murders in the Rue Morgue Film Poster

This is a film poster that may have appeared in the city of Philadelphia. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of Murders in the Rue Morgue that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANTON,” refers to the movie theater located on 16th and Market in which the film was exhibited. The review emphasizes that the film is a “hair raising thriller” and that it stars Bela “Dracula” Lugosi. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanton Theatre’s (located at 16^th and Market) showing of The Mystery of the Wax  Museum that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It also appears that the Stanton Theatre along with the Stanley Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. The ad contains no specific information of when or where the film will premiere, but instead simply states that “What is the Amazing Mystery of the Wax Museum?” The purpose of this ad is simply to create a kind of mystery/word of mouth “buzz.”  By Conor Fitzpatrick

Still Images of Stanton and Stanley Theatres. Glazer, Irvin R., 1922-. Philadelphia theaters : a pictorial architectural history / Irvin R. Glazer. [0486278336 :] Philadelphia : Athenaeum of Philadelphia ; New York : Dover Publications, c1994.

Pictures of Stanley and Stanton theatres, the two premiere venues for exhibiting horror films in Philadelphia.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

The article details the public rejection of Freaks and helps explain why the film was not shown in any mainstream theaters in Philadelphia.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanton Theatre’s (located at 16^th and Market) showing of The Invisible Man that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It also appears that the Stanton Theatre along with the Stanley Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time. By Conor Fitzpatrick

The Invisible Man Film Poster. Art by Karoly Grosz. Horror poster art / edited by Tony Nourmand and Graham Marsh ; foreword by Christopher Frayling. [1845130103 (pbk.) ] London : Aurum, 2004.

This is a film poster that may have appeared in the city of Philadelphia. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of The Invisible Man that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANTON,” refers to the movie theater located on 16th and Market in which the movie was exhibited. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanton Theatre’s (located at 16^th and Market) showing of The Mummy that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer.  It appears that the Stanton Theatre along with the Stanley Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

The Mummy Film Poster. Art by Karoly Grosz. Horror poster art / edited by Tony Nourmand and Graham Marsh ; foreword by Christopher Frayling. [1845130103 (pbk.) ] London : Aurum, 2004.

This is a film poster that may have appeared in the city of Philadelphia. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of The Mummy that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANTON,” refers to the movie theater located on 16th and Market in which the film was exhibited. The review mentions that the writer of the film, John L. Balderson, was once a “Philadelphia newspaperman.” By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of The Mystery of the Wax Museum that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANTON,” refers to the movie theater located on 16th and Market in which the film was exhibited. By Conor Fitzpatrick

An advertisement for Stanton Theatre’s (located at 16^th and Market) showing of White Zombie that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer.  It appears that the Stanton Theatre along with the Stanley Theatre were the major venues for horror films in Philadelphia during this time.  By Conor Fitzpatrick

Horror poster art / edited by Tony Nourmand and Graham Marsh ; foreword by Christopher Frayling. [1845130103 (pbk.) ] London : Aurum, 2004.

White Zombie Film Poster

This is a film poster that may have appeared in the city of Philadelphia. By Conor Fitzpatrick

Example of a film review of White Zombie that was circulated throughout Philadelphia as it was placed in the city’s premiere newspaper, the Philadelphia Inquirer. It must be noted that this article is contained within the “What’s Playing in the Theaters This Week” section and the article is best described as a hybrid of a film review and an advertisement. With that said, the title of the article, “STANTON,” refers to the movie theater located on 16th and Market in which the film was exhibited. The review calls White Zombie the “eeriest and most fantastic story ever pictured for the screen.” By Conor Fitzpatrick