Horror Movie Trivia

Horror films are an extremely popular genre because they play off of the biggest fears that human beings possess. They usually involve death or an unknown figure which is causing terror, as these are two things that are nearly impossible for humans to understand, which, in turn, causes fear. Many of the early horror films were based on popular novels but over the years, the genre has become much more specialized and screenplays are now being directly written. Horror movies have definitely changed a great deal over the years, as writers and directors consistently develop new ways to scare people.

In the beginning, horror was not deemed as its own genre, but rather the earliest horror films were considered dramas. A film called "The House of the Devil" is usually recognized as being the first ever horror film and it was released in 1899. There were also a number of Japanese and German films released between the 1890s and the 1910s that can be considered horror movies, but the genre did not really begin to gain in popularity until a bit later. Monsters and vampires were the common enemy in most of these films, as famous villains like Dracula and Quasimodo began appearing in movie theatres. Eventually, Hollywood caught onto this genre. The first ever horror film star, Lon Chaney Sr., became well known during the early 1920s.

In the 1930s, horror became a prevailing genre, as films like "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" gained international notoriety. Universal Pictures was at the forefront of this growth, as they introduced a number of very popular films that were loved by audiences. It was also during this period that science fiction began to take a larger role in horror movies, as films like "The Invisible Man" explored the unexplainable and the fears that can go along with it. As the world moved into the 1940s, Universal Studios continued its reign at the top of this industry, as they produced classics like "The Wolf Man" and a sequel to Frankenstein. People were truly beginning to appreciate being scared, and this desire drove the industry to new heights.

In the 1950s, technology began to improve to the point where people could become much more intimate with the films they were watching. This was a huge development for the horror industry, because movies became more realistic. This was also a period where the United States had some legitimate concerns about Soviet nuclear weapons, and these fears were brought out frequently in these films. In addition, this was the first time that 3-D technology was used in the theatre. Moviegoers could put on 3-D glasses, and it would make the film appear even more realistic. Additionally, this was the decade when color films were first produced, which was another major development, which allowed people to view films in the same manner as real life. Alfred Hitchcock rose to prominence during these two decades, and he remains one of the most important names in the history of horror movies.

Over the 1970s and 1980s, the horror industry began moving away from the B-movies that it had been previously famous for. During this period, more respected actors began accepting roles, and the genre moved closer to mainstream than ever before. Films like "The Exorcist" did a great deal to further the industry and directors like John Carpenter, with his Halloween series, and Steven Spielberg, with Jaws, turned these films into larger budget blockbusters. The Alien series also gained in popularity during this time period, as science fiction and horror were once again brought together to create something special.

The 1980s were also a time when sequels turned simple horror films into dynasties. Films like "Poltergeist", "Halloween", "Friday the 13th", "A Nightmare on Elm Street", and "Psycho" turned out numerous sequels. These series became the face of the horror industry during this time. A lot of these movies are now being remade, and many are appealing to a whole new generation both in the theatre and on television.

In the 1990s, many of the famous series continued on their way, in addition to new series called "Child's Play" and "The Leprechaun". There was also an increase in the utilization of urban legends in horror films. Many of these films were able to play off of the real life fears of people. While the 1980s were famous because of slasher films, the 1990s moved on to parody these types of films in an over the top type of manner. While these films were still frightening, the gore was done in a way that was less morbid and had a touch of dark humor.

In the 2000s, we have seen a return to the zombie horrors that were favored in the 1980s, as well as, a return to the teen horror that have been popular at various points. In addition, many of these films have returned to their restricted roots, which has brought in an entirely new generation of horror fans. The "Saw" dynasty has become one of the highest grossing horror dynasties of all time and is one of the reasons why this industry will continue to flourish as we move forward.

Only time will tell where the horror industry will head next, but we can be certain that it will continue to scare people well into the future. With new technology and special effects that are being used in movies, we will surely see new and creative methods used by production companies to give people a thrill and entertain them at the same time.

They have scared audiences and readers for decades. Some of the earliest were based on books, while others were born on film. Horror movie monsters have made their mark on pop culture and have continued to do so one film after another. From Frankenstein and Dracula to Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger, these scary abominations of our nightmares will forever scare future generations out of sleeping with the lights out. But when and where did these creations come from?

Dracula: One of the first horror movie monsters was Dracula. As the archetype for all vampires we see in films and TV shows, he was introduced to readers in the novel written by Bram Stoker. Also, Dracula was based on a real person; Vlad III Dracula (AKA: Vlad the Impaler) from Transylvania. He was made even more famous when Bela Lugosi played him in 1931's "Dracula".

Frankenstein: Another horror movie monster was the Frankenstein monster. Brought into the world by author Mary Shelly, he is the creation of Dr. Frankenstein; made from various parts of human corpses and revived through high amounts of electricity (hence the bolts in his neck). There have been many actors who have played the monster, but the first was Boris Karloff in 1931. Afterwards, fans of the film and book call the monster "Frankenstein", even though it didn't have a name to begin with.

Mr. Hyde: Similar to him was Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. Even though they're opposites, both are actually one person. Based on the book "The Strange Case of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr. Henry Jeckyll was a brilliant chemist who accidently made a formula that turned him into Mr. Edward Hyde. This monster represents people with split personalities. However, many films depicted him turning from a human into a beast like figure, terrorizing the locals and making Dr. Jeckyll's life a living hell.

The Phantom: Another classic monster was a man named Erik; AKA: The Phantom. Originally created by Gaston Leroux in his book "The Phantom of the Opera", Erik was a construction worker, who helped build the Paris Opera House, but became disfigured and lived under the theater in his own secret hideaway. After the arrival of Christine, an Italian singer, he falls in love and helps her become a famous opera singer (by any means necessary). Even though the original book wasn't a best seller, it later became one of the most popular musicals of all time, thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber and others.

Zombies: One other horror movie phenomenon is the zombie. Born from George A. Romero's "The Living Dead", zombies are nothing more than regular people, who were once dead, coming back to life and hungry for live human flesh and/or brains. Most are depicted as slow-moving and traveling in groups, but it was the film "28 Days Later" that made them into fast and ferocious pack hunters. Also, zombies are either created by a viral outbreak or depicted as an apocalyptic moment based on religious scripture.

Satan: Speaking of religion, Satan has been one of the most feared entities in religion, film and literature. He is basically the mascot for evil, corrupting people's souls and sometime taking over human bodies, to lash out against God and his creations. From the films "Rosemary's Baby" to "The Exorsist", Satan has sent chills down many audience's spines. Also, his son Damien (The Antichrist) has also made is presence known, starting with the film "The Omen". Aside from those two, many of Hell's inhabitants have done the same in various forms of entertainment.

Jason: Probably the most relentless horror movie monster is Jason Voorhees. Born for the "Friday the 13th" series, Jason was a disfigured boy who drowned in Crystal Lake, thanks to negligent camp advisors and a group of ignorant kids at the summer camp he was attending. Years later, he comes back for vengeance, wielding a machete, a hockey mask, and unprecedented physical strength.

Freddy: However, Jason pales in comparison to one of the most powerful horror movie monsters: Freddy Krueger. Born from the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" saga, Freddy was a child murderer who is chased down by locals and left to die in a burning warehouse. However, he comes back to life in the nightmares of the future generations of Elm St., where he's able to kill them in some of the most gruesome deaths ever seen on film. Both him and Jason created a horror movie trend where immorality determined who lived and died in each film. Basically the ones who used drugs, had sex, or did anything equally bad were the first to go.

In my opinion, many of the older classic horror movies which were based off of time-honored books, and the like, have stood the test of time. What would horror be without the likes of the Frankenstein monster or Dracula?

Below are a few questions and answers from some of the classics, many in which, if you're a horror fan, I am sure you have seen.

1. Village of the Damned is an adaptation of what famous novel?

Filmed in the UK in 1960 and is a horror film about mutant children based on the novel, The Midwich Cuckoos.

This film was originally planned as an American release but MGM decided the virgin birth spin was too inflammatory for American production. Of course, the movie was an instant hit with creepy children possessing mental abilities and a cold nature. Once the movie was printed and released for American audiences there was one notable difference from the UK print, the children's glowing eyes.

2. Night of the Living Dead was originally a black and white horror film created in the late 60's, how many times has the movie been colorized?

At three different occasions labs have created a colorized version of this classic zombie flick, 1986, 1987 and 2004 were the respective dates with a fourth revision planned for 2009 which will take the 2D movie colorize it and present it in 3D.

Surprisingly there was little criticism about this grisly movie after its release. The main problem critic Robert Ebert had was the theater policies of the time that allowed children as young as five or six to purchase a ticket. In an age where graphic video games, cartoons and television did not exist this must have been quite a shock for young children.

3. Upon what real life serial killer was the movie Psycho based on?

Ed Gein was a serial killer and grave robber from Wisconsin in the 1950's. He admitted to killing two women, whose heads were later found in his home. The most significant correlation between him and Norman Bates is probably the similarities in their mothers. Both are portrayed as teaching their sons that all women were prostitutes and immoral.

In the now famous shower scene from Psycho in which Norman takes his first victim, Marion Crane, chocolate was used to simulate blood. This was a common enough occurrence during the era of black and white horror films.

4. Was the Texas Chainsaw Massacre a real event?

No, despite the opening credits that state what you are about to see is true, the movie was a fiction based loosely on true-life serial killers Ed Gein and Elmer Wayne Henley.

The idea to be intentionally misleading at the outset of this film was to highlight the many lies being told by the federal government at the time. Hooper, one of the writers on the film felt that Vietnam, Watergate and the oil crisis were gross intentional misinformation presented by the government and his characters highlighted the fact that he felt man was the real monster.

These classic horror films have indeed stood the test of time. To this day, you can still feel the horror even though they lack the detail of today's Technicolor movies. That in and of itself is a testament to the fact that these are indeed great films that changed the horror genre forever.

Nothing catches the attention of an audience quicker than the phrase based on a true story or true events. Many horror films have used this lure and in some cases, there was at least a bit of truth to the tale, but most cannot be substantiated. Here is some fun trivia from horror movies that were "based on true events."

1. What real life water related drama did the filmmakers of Open Water, Chris Kentis and Laura Lau survive just three days after the DVD release of the movie?

Chris and Laura were in Thailand with their 7-year-old daughter when the devastating tsunami hit the island. Over 200,000 people perished in the storm but Chris, Laura and their daughter survived.

Interestingly enough this is one horror/thriller based on a true story that is close to the actual tale. Tom and Aileen Lonergan disappeared during a scuba diving expedition off the Great Barrier Reef and it was two days before the couple was noticed missing. Another little tidbit is the fact that filmmakers used real sharks as opposed to mechanical variations normally used in these types of films.

2. In the Serpent and the Rainbow, what is the name of the zombie-making drug?

The drug named in the film is tetrodotoxin, a drug that can make a living person appear dead. The way the movie depicts the administration of the drug, by blowing it into the victims face is more consistent with a mind-altering drug known as scopolamine.

Interestingly enough the author of the non-fiction book on which the film is based hated the movie. He commented at one time that he went to Borneo to escape the hysteria.

3. The Exorcism of Emily rose declares what specific time to be the devils hour? And why?

Three am is called the devils hour in an evil attempt to mock the Holy Trinity and in direct opposition to the time it is thought Jesus died on the cross, many scholars put it at three pm.

You might be surprised to find out that many of the unholy body contortions of Emily Rose were achieved by actress Jennifer Carpenter were done without visual effects. Her performance won her a Best Frightened Performance from MTV.

4. In Wolf Creek the psycho killer uses a little torture technique called "head on a stick" what event does he credit with the invention of the tactic?

After cutting Liz's fingers off her explains that during the Vietnam War, they figured out a way to extract information from captives while leaving them unable to run away. Head on a stick is a torture tactic that involves severing the spinal column.

This film is shot on location in southern Australia, an area known as arid and sunny. On the first day of shooting, it commenced raining forcing the directors to incorporate it into the movie. The interesting fact is this particular area had not received rainfall in over six years.

5. What did John Bell claim he offer Kate Batts in exchange for use of her land?

The deal they spat and shook upon included the use of the Bell's slave Samuel and a $100 loan. However, he neglects to tell the council that he charged her 20% interest, which was against the church usury law. Though he clearly broke, their law they determined is punishment was the loss of his good name, of course, Kate Batts had other plans.

This movie is inspired at least in part by the same Tennessee witch legends as the Blair witch project. Though there are many claims about this legend, such as documentation proving this was the first incidence of a human death from a spiritual entity, none of the claims can be substantiated.

JUMBLE ANSWERS
Use your mouse and click and drag over the block of gray to reveal the answers.

1. COUNT DRACULA
2. WEREWOLF
3. THE MUMMY
4. INVISIBLE MAN
5. WOLF MAN

Everyone likes the classic horror film, and some even say that new writers and directors leave a lot to be desired with the current slew of gore. However, there are a few notable films from the last ten years that have left people gasping long after the credits rolled and here is a little trivia about those films.

1. In the beginning of Stephen Kings The Mist what is the painting a depiction of?

There are many paintings on the walls that are actually movie poster depictions, such the one to his far left for The Thing. It has been erroneously reported that this is the painting David is working on during opening credits, when in fact it is the image of the Gunslinger from Stephen King's Dark Tower series.

Stephen King draws inspiration from all avenues but he is well known for taking his own life events and incorporating them into a horrific story. The mist is based on an experience he had near his home when severe storm rolled through his home town, the next day while at the supermarket with his son he imagined a winged creature flying through the store.

2. In the 2001 horror movie Session 9 where does Simon say he lives?

Simon is the dark alter personality that patient Mary Hobbs other personalities are reticent to talk about. Mary has been undergoing therapy sessions at the asylum and most personalities share freely. By the end of the film, you hear Simon explain to the doctor that he resides in the weak and wounded.

The Danvers Insane Asylum, which is the setting for Session 9 is rumored to be the birthplace for the lobotomy and may have been the inspiration for Arkham Asylum from the Batman comic strips.

3. In the movie Hard Candy what is the drink that Hayley spikes for Jeff?

Central to her plan to make Jeff pay for his alleged pedophilia Hayley must drug him. She does so by explaining that she never drinks anything she did not pour herself and proceeds to make them both a screwdriver.

Unlike most movies today, Hard Candy only contains nine minutes of music in the entire film. The remainder of the background noise consists of heavy breathing and other ambient sounds.

4. In the first installation of the Saw movies what started the timer on the reverse bear trap that Amanda was wearing?

The jigsaw video left for Amanda left no doubt about the status of her head once the timer ran out. She is told where to find the key to stop the timer, what she is not told is that the timer is not activated until she stands from her chair to retrieve the key.

There is a video short referred to on the internet as Saw .5 that was used to pitch the idea to studios and actors. The original full-length film depicted David as the one in the reverse bear trap but in the end, it was this Saw movie short that became the official scene.

• Almost 50 gallons of fake blood were used while shooting the movie, Scream.


• The priest who played Father Dyer, in the Exorcist, was actually involved in the case that inspired the movie. He claimed that the movie is based on an exorcism of a young boy in Maryland and is, for the most part, factual.


• The Blair Witch Project made the Guinness Book Of World Records for budget/box office ratio


• Dominique Dunne, the oldest sister in the Poltergeist, was murdered by her boyfriend.


• The film Eraserhead took over five years to complete.


• The famous shower scene in Psycho took seven days to shoot and involved 77 different shots


• Leatherface from the movie, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is based on serial killer Ed Gein


• The Zombies, seen during the movie "Night of the Living Dead" were each paid a dollar for their role. Each also received a T-Shirt that said, "I was a zombie in Night of the Living Dead".


• The actor who played Michael in Halloween was paid $25 per day of filming.


• The Sixth Sense was 2000's top video and DVD, with more than 80 million rentals

Position your cursor over the question mark found beside each question for the answer.

What is the most common method of killing a werewolf?

What is the most traditional way to kill a vampire?

In their animal form, what do vampires transform into?

According to legend, when do werewolves change into their animal form?

What happens to viewers of the tape featured in the movie "The Ring"?

"The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" was inspired by which of the following serial killers?

What is "A Nightmare on Elm Street" killer Freddy Krueger's motive for murder?

How does Regan MacNeil, played by Linda Blair, disrupt her mother's party in "The Exorcist"?

Which hugely successful 70's horror film had a budget so low that its cast wore their own clothes on set?


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Position your cursor over the question mark found beside each question for the answer.

What did Alfred Hitchcock famously use as fake blood in his 1960 film "Psycho"?

Which of Steven King's novels had a brush with Broadway?

Which horror film was claimed to have had a demon living in its celluloid reels?

Why was "Poltergeist" actress, JoBeth Williams, afraid to participate in the film's pool scene?

In the original Friday the 13th film, Mrs.Voorhees does all of the murdering to avenge her son's death at Camp Crystal Lake - how did Jason die?

Which of these three infamous horror movie villains is the least talkative? Michael Myers, Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees?

What has changed most about zombies in recent horror films?

Where is the Amityville house located?

Who is Frankenstein?

What is the best way to kill a zombie?

What happens when you lay the dead to rest in the "Pet Cemetery"?


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