WAYNE AND SHUSTER TAKES AN AFFECTIONATE LOOK AT THE MONSTERS (REVIEW)

Dir. Norman Campbell

Reviewer. Dan Cook

A delightfully nostalgic documentary comedy, WAYNE AND SHUSTER TAKES AN AFFECTIONATE LOOK AT THE MONSTERS is a very odd yet highly enjoyable series of clips and skits that highlight the first 40 years or so of the horror movie. Hosted by comedic Canadian duo Johnny Wayne and Frank Shuster, the hour long programme traces the history of the genre from it’s genesis with the German expressionist visions of THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI and NOSFERATU, through the golden ages of Karloff, Lugosi and Chaneys both senior and junior and concluding with a summary regarding the lasting legacy of Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolfman and the other characters in the monster Hall of Fame.

Made for Canadian TV in 1965, this highly sought-after DVD isn’t exactly a definitive overview of the genre and due to the poor quality of the original television broadcast, the images are far from brilliant. However, as both a little time capsule of the decade and an artefact of horror history, WAYNE AND SHUSTER TAKES AN AFFECTIONATE LOOK AT THE MONSTERS is well worth tracking down - particularly for those just getting started with their horror education and who want to get acquainted with the films that started it all.