John T. Soister Livres

The narrative explores the rich tapestry of Universal's classic horror films, showcasing iconic characters like Frankenstein's monster, the Wolf Man, and Sherlock Holmes tackling twisted mysteries. It highlights the era's unique charm, where audiences sought refuge from the real horrors of World War II in these cinematic adventures. Featuring memorable figures like Lon Chaney, the book celebrates the lighter, yet beloved, entries of the genre that, despite lower budgets, continue to resonate with vintage movie enthusiasts.

The biography chronicles the journey of Conrad Veidt, a Berlin native who transitioned from minor acting roles to a successful theater career following his service in World War I. His experiences shaped his evolution into a prominent film actor and director, highlighting his contributions to the arts.

Focusing on elusive thrillers from the 1920s and 1930s, this book highlights 21 notable films that have become hard to find, including titles like The Mystery of Dr. Fu Manchu and The Monkey's Paw. Each entry features essential details such as production company, running time, release dates, cast and crew credits, along with a synopsis and insightful commentary. This comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for movie buffs seeking to explore these classic films that have largely faded from public view.

The collection showcases a variety of iconic horror figures, including Frankenstein's monster, the Wolf Man, and a love-seeking mummy, alongside mysteries that challenge Sherlock Holmes. It highlights the charm of Universal's classic monster films, which provided audiences an escape from the grim realities of World War II, featuring shorter, less serious narratives that nonetheless captivated viewers. With memorable characters like a dapper Lon Chaney, this anthology celebrates the affection for vintage horror cinema, despite its lower budgets compared to earlier classics.

Best known in Germany for his convincing silent film portrayals of sinister characters, despite his participation also in "enlightenment" films made to spur social reform, Conrad Veidt left Germany for a film career in the United States at the urging of John Barrymore, who recruited him to play King Louis XI in The Beloved Rogue. Veidt returned to Germany when "talkies" arrived and his accent began to hinder his career in Hollywood. With the threat of Nazi power in Germany, Veidt then went to Britain and later returned to the United States, making films with stars such as Joan Crawford and others until his death in 1943. He is remembered for his role as Nazi major Strasser in Casablanca.This work details the film career of Conrad Veidt. It lists all movies that he was involved in and provides a synopsis, cast and crew, and reviews of each film. There are many photographs, a list of films that he is thought possibly to have been involved in, and an extensive bibliography.

Exploring the lesser-known films of Universal's horror genre, this book delves into a decade of cinematic history that includes the intriguing 1929 release, The Last Warning, available in both silent and talkie formats. It highlights how these films captivated audiences while also provoking critical debate, revealing the depth and variety of Universal's contributions to the genre beyond the iconic Dracula and Frankenstein. Fans and historians alike will find a treasure trove of insights into these often-overlooked works.