Regional Horror Films, 1958–1990: A State-by-State Guide with Interviews

by Brian Albright

In the second half of the 20th century, landmark works of horror film history were as much the product of enterprising regional filmmakers as of the major studios. From backwoods Utah to the Louisiana bayous to the outer boroughs of New York, independent, regional films like Night of the Living Dead, Last House on the Left, I Spit on Your Grave, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Evil Dead stood at the vanguard of horror cinema. This overview of regionally produced horror and science fiction films includes interviews with 13 directors and producers who operated far from mainstream Hollywood, along with a state-by-state listing of regionally produced genre films made between 1959 and 1990. Highlighting some of the most influential horror films of the past 50 years, this informative volume celebrates not only regional filmmaking, but also a cultural regionalism that is in danger of vanishing.

Genres: Film, Horror, Nonfiction

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2012

Reviews

[Horror DNA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Brian Albright delivers a love letter to genre fans with his thoughtful and comprehensive book Regional Horror Films, 1958 – 1990: A State by State Guide with Interviews. The focus is on films made outside of the studio system, regardless of cult status. The usual suspects The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Evil Dead and Night of the Living Dead are all present, but are joined by many smaller, lesser known titles like The Alien Factor, I Was a Zombie for the F.B.I. and the infamous Black Devil Doll from Hell. This long-overdue guide studies the elusive gems that missed a wide release, seldom if ever turning up in suburban movie theaters or even on late-night cable television. Better yet, the author manages to track down and interview a baker’s dozen of the filmmakers responsible for some of the titles covered within.

You can read ZigZag's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.

[John Ledingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

didnt read so much as reference for a piece i was writing - kinda skimmed thru again today. excellent work of criticism, research, cultural preservation, and interview. great resource. im sure i will revisit.

[Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes a great companion to Nightmare USA by Stephen Thrower.

[Jewbo23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The interviews in this book are just superb. Some great insight into some very obscure films. The second half of the book is just a list of regional films which isn't too interesting and also the book is really over priced. It costs more than the much better Nightmare USA. I fouled have done without the list and just added a couple more interviews.