HOLLYWOOD HORROR: From Gothic to Cosmic

Horror films are an escape valve for the American psyche. "No matter what was happening in the world outside... the moviegoer could snuggle into a theater seat and travel to a place where screaming felt good," notes film historian Vieira, who charts these journeys with smart prose and a loving attention to detail. He maps the genre from its genesis in 1923 through 1968, relating how world events infused its style and substance. Whether the scare technique relied on the power of suggestion or played on fears of Communist infiltration, horror movies reflected the mood of the country. To add spice, Vieira skillfully intertwines plots of the films with anecdotes by actors, writers and producers. Telling details, such as the grotesque make-up fashioned by actor Lon Chaney or the influence of German Expressionism, provides insight into the craft of filmmaking. In addition, the painstaking work patterns of Alfred Hitchcock and Roman Polanski are contrasted with the expediency required by William Castle and Roger Corman. All, contends Vieira, were adept at raising goosebumps without slathering the screen with the gore that defined later offerings, such as Night of the Living Dead . The inclusion of rare onset photographs caps this well-researched book. The publicity shots, particularly of early works, demonstrate an astounding mastery of lighting and composition. Ironically, many of these stills depicted scenes that never appeared in films. But they remain artistic gems enhanced by the sharp quality of the reproductions. Vieira's enthralling behind-the-scenes take reveals the insider secrets that brought this shadow world to light. (Dec.)