Profiles in Horror: Terry Geralds, The Solitary Man

Sarcastic, sequestered and sensational, that's Terry Geralds. The proprietor of the blog, Slasher Film Sanctuary is one of my favorite Facebook buddies. Recently he (and his blog) were cited and quoted in the book, The Complete History of The Return of the Living Dead.   With a theatrical background, and a talent for telling it like it is, Geralds is my go-to-guy when I need some information on classic slasher films of the 80's. Once you meet him, you'll see why.

Terry, what is it about the horror genre that drew you in?

It scared the living shit out of me! However, the monsters were always safely confined to my television, where they could never hurt me. As a kid I was afraid of everything. I believed monsters lurked within the shadows, around every corner. Horror films were a way for me to conquer that fear. A step in self-healing if you will. It was during this “self-help journey,” that I developed an undying love for the horror genre. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Like another esteemed member of this interview series (Chris Moore), you have a background in performing. Is it your desire to return to that? And if so, what would be your dream horror based project?

I would love to return to the stage. I miss acting so much that I can’t even bare to go see plays anymore. It just reminds me of how much fun I had in the theater and how much I miss it. I’ve always wanted to be part of a kick-ass horror film. One that would be remembered forever, like John Carpenters Halloween or Night Of The Living Dead. A film that I could be forever proud to have been a part of. Sadly, my life is a bit complicated, in a Lifetime Movie kind of way, so the odds of me returning to the stage are extremely slim. But it is something I continue to dream about every day.

What is it about horror films of the 1980's, specifically slasher films, that you like so much?

Horror films of the 80’s were my portal to horror. They were what first introduced me to the genre I love so much, and there will always be a strong connection because of that. Also, 80’s horror films are just so much fun to watch! Some of the best horror flicks came out of the 1980s, in my humble opinion. How could you not love all the big hair, awesome 80’s music, and killers sporting masks and knives?

I get the feeling that you are something of a loner (if I am wrong, then tell me!) . What horror film event would it take to get you out of the house? Or what event in general?

I am somewhat of a loner. However, I do have loads of amazing friends that do I see on occasion. If an opportunity presented itself for me to get to travel to horror conventions and meet so many of the people I adore, I would most likely go. I’d be attending horror conventions already if I didn’t absolutely suck when it came to having the nerve to drive to places I’ve never been. Heavy traffic and strange places make this boy a little uneasy.

I understand that you worship the ground Kristy Jett walks on. What if Kristy were coming to your house for dinner – what would you serve, and what type of entertainment would be provided?

Oh absolutely! Kristy Jett is one fabulous “chikadiva” (A word I concocted to describe any gal that I absolutely adore!) When I first discovered her online, something just clicked. She has impeccable taste in horror, and we both absolutely adore the 1991 film “Popcorn,” which Kristy is working her fingers to the bone to get re-released. I’ve never met her in real life but I’m absolutely certain that I would still adore her just as much, if not more. If she and I were to have dinner, I would serve whatever Kristy wanted. As for entertainment…..we would watch “Popcorn” of course!

What is your all-time favorite horror film, and why.

That has always been the hardest question for me to answer. How could I possibly pick just one to be my all-time favorite? The truth is that many films rank in my #1 favorite film slot. John Carpenters Halloween, Night Of The Living Dead, I could go on and on. But if I had to pick just one, out of my all of my number one faves, I would go with the 1984 film “Night Of The Comet.” It’s just so much fun! It has big hair, 80’s music, zombies, Catherine Mary Stewart, Kelli Maroney, and Mary Woronov! What’s not to love?!

In your opinion, do you think the genre is better or worse today than it was in the 1980's?

Worse. Most all films made today don’t leave a last impression on the viewer like films from yesteryear did. At least they don’t in my cinematic viewing experience.

Do you think horror films speak to the disenfranchised in general?

Absolutely. Yeah that’s all I got, lol!

What horror movie hunk (not the actor, the character) would you like to have a fling with, and why?

Mike Brennan, played by John Terlesky, from the 1986 film “Chopping Mall.” He was manly, muscular, beautiful, fun, and unbelievably sexy. When I first saw that film, I instantly fell in love with him. Odd enough, as a child I always developed crushes on adults. Had I actually known any pedophiles, I would’ve been their dream come true! Okay, maybe I should‘ve left that last part out. LOL!

What Final Girl (not the actress, the character) would you like to be BFF's with, and why?

None of them! Usually the final girls BFF’s get “K.I.L.L.E.D.” I’d like to avoid that thanks, so I’m checking the “No I will not be your friend box.”

Does it ever bother you (like it does me), that Mrs. Voorhees' revenge in the original Friday the 13th was actually bogus because Jason was alive and not really dead?

That was always something that both confused and irked me. But I’ve always tried to overlook that and understand why Mrs. Voorhees did what she did. It was justice for her son, she just got a little confused about whom the enemy responsible was. Her heart was in the right place, but her mind sure wasn’t.

Finally, what do you want the world to know about Terry Geralds?

That I’m single and looking for someone beautiful, outside as well as in. Someone willing to accept me as I am and work with me. Someone who knows the true meaning to love. Someone who can help make all my dreams come true, someone who…….wait, this isn’t an eHarmony questionnaire, is it? Ummmm, check out my blog @ www.slasherfilmsanctuary.blogspot.com. Go Horror!