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!

Profiles in Horror : Patrick Campbell, The Work in Progress.

Known for his minimalist blog, the late lamented, Stabbing Stabbing Stabbing, Patrick Campbell is the kind of guy who can watch almost a half a dozen films in a day and have an opinion on each one. Having recently made peace with his sexuality as well as his spirituality, Patrick is a work in progress. Be warned, I’ve read this guy’s writing; if he ever buckles down to it, he is probably going to set the literary and critical world on fire.

Patrick, What drew you to horror films? Was it a gradual thing, or were you fond of the macabre as a child?

Aside from The Nightmare Before Christmas and my brother's lucky find of Poltergeist at a book sale, not much horror as (a) young one. My teen years brought in more, and then there was conservative Catholicism, and then I watched like crazy.


I understand that you recently returned to Catholicism, do you ever find your spirituality at odds with your enjoyment of horror films?

Not really, no. I'm really open minded, don't care what path you take as long as it's a healthy one. If God's sending me to simmer for eternity for watching horror movies, then I really don't know God.


Let’s talk ex Catholic to current Catholic, what did you REALLY think of The Exorcist and its portrayal of The Church?

I think it portrays evil realistically and shows Priests as they really are, human. I'd recommend it to the religious, non-religious, sorta-religious, etc.


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

Friday the 13th, 1980 one. I've seen a lot of times and never been disappointed with it, it kick started my favorite horror film series, and it has my favorite slasher villain. No, not the one in the lake.


Since you identify as bisexual this will be a two part question:
A – What Scream Queen or Final Girl would you most like to date (not the actress, the character)
B – What Horror Movie Hunk would you most like to date (not the actor, the character).

Oh good gravy. Um, for A I'll choose Sidney Prescott. She's dealt with a lot of people who have a lot of problems. She might be able to put up with me, and she'd kick my ass if I deserved it. I haven't seen Scream 4 so this is based on Scream 1-3 Sidney. She may have become an alien in the fourth for all I know.


For B, Friday the 13th's Steve Christy. For the facial hair alone.

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


Um, yes, they tend to focus on people who don't fit in with what's considered average society. And judging by their popularity, there's a lot of disenfranchised folks out there.

OK, you get a call from the Vatican, Pope Benedict is coming over. What do you serve for dinner, and what horror film do you show him?


Um, oh boy. Is there any way to answer this and not actually receive a call from the Vatican? We're having pizza, who doesn't like pizza. And we're watching Rosemary's Baby. What can I say, he is my Pope, but we're not friends, and if I'm getting kicked out, might as well leave with knowing the Pope's expression if he did watch Rosemary's Baby.


Finally, what do you want the world to know about Patrick Campbell?

I'm a work in progress, and I hope the final art piece is a good one.

Profiles In Horror : Chris Moore, The Entertainer

Director, singer, performer, student, artistic-provocateur; Chris Moore defies description, and dislikes labels. With one full length horror film already under his belt (well before the age of 30). Moore is one of those those guys who seems destined for big things. I can honestly say, that I find Chris to be an interesting guy with a future in front of him so bright, he’ll probably have have to wear shades.  

Pull up a seat and meet a guy who loves blood and gore, as well as a  good showtune. 

Chris, I already know that you have a love for musical theater, comedy and music in general – where did the love of horror come from?

I think the love of horror really came from my love of fairy tales back in the day. I was never a fan of the glossy, sugary Disney versions, although I did enjoy them an awful lot. What I remember most are the countless volumes of these stories that I'd check out at my local library. The REAL versions! The Grimm brothers versions! I just loved the villains. They were so much more dimensional than the heroes and heroines. Even before I knew what real horror was, I was drawn to stories like that. The first horror films I can remember seeing all the way through were Psycho and House of Wax when I was around 5 or 6 years old. Before then, if I saw a poster, video tape, or a TV spot for a horror film, I'd rush out of the room, terrified, and then have nightmares about it for weeks.

What would you consider your favorite horror film and why.

Wow! That's a tough one! So many to pick from! I guess I'd have to say Halloween. I know it by heart. It was one of the first horror films I ever saw (the week before Halloween on USA Network! I can remember it vividly!) I just love the atmosphere, the pacing, the music, and the diverse selection of characters. Everyone knows a Laurie, a Dr. Loomis, an Annie, a Lynda, etc. It's such a relatable  film on so many levels. I always felt a little bit like a Laurie Strode with a little Annie Brackett thrown in, of course. Even in a crowd, I sometimes feel alone. I think everyone can identify with that. I've also had a group of friends where I'd stop and think "Why am I with these people? I mean, I like 'em and all, but we're such a strange group!" Plus, I'm sarcastic like Annie and a lot of people around me don't seem to get that. I think lots of people find me cold because I'm a mix or those two. Shy, reserved...but also loud, opinionated, and a little bit of a smart ass!

If you could adapt a horror film and turn it into a big Broadway musical, which would it be? And who would you cast (other than yourself)?

A Broadway horror musical, eh? Gee, Officer Krupke, I don't know! I always felt that Flowers in that Attic might make a good musical, but is that really horror? Hmmm...maybe Pieces if it was staged in an over the top manner! I'd love to hear a big, belty 11 o'clock number called  "BASTARD!" C'mon, that would be gold! I'm glad they're bringing back Carrie: The Musical, though. I think with a few tweaks here and there, it could be a hit! The music is gorgeous!   Actually, What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? would be GREAT for a musical! It just came to me!

Your feature film, Perversion , had a very 1970’s vibe to it. Was that intentional? Are you a fan of 70’s cinema in general?


Oh, it was totally intentional! I LOVE 70's cinema! There was such a great "anything goes" vibe to the films of that time period. You could make a film about anything, get it financed, and shown in theaters and drive-ins all around the world. It was a very creative time for filmmakers and they were able to break a lot of barriers and taboos because there were no rules anymore. The studio system had collapsed, so there was no one to say "No! That topic is too hot button!" or "No one wants to see a film about people like that!" It was a terrific time. Plus, the gritty aesthetic is something I like a lot.

Perversion also had a very homoerotic vibe to it. Was that intentional as well, or was it something that just occurred as your worked on the script?

Perversion was originally written with a female lead in mind, but as I was going into the 2nd act, I realized no girl I knew would do this film. And then it hit me! If it was a guy, it would be a million times more disturbing, because no one's used to seeing a guy in jeopardy, especially that kind of sexual jeopardy. I thought it would be fun to play with that and see how an audience would respond. I've seen it with a few different audiences and it's a fascinating experience. I don't think the film would have stood out as much had it just been another "female in jeopardy" film. It would have been old hat, but by simply subverting the audience's expectations, it became something far more interesting.

Are you going to do anymore horror films, or are you planning to strike out in a totally different direction?

I'd love to do more horror films. It's my favorite genre. I'm actually working on a script right now that deals with some other hot button issues. It's about bullying and how it can go too far. It has a sort of Prom Night-esque feel to it. People think it's going to be a typical slasher/revenge film, but it veers off into a different direction and shows how the bullies really feel about what they've done to this poor kid. It's got a pretty sick sense of humor, too, which is what I'm starting to get known for. It's a very dark concept, so I'm trying to help lighten it up a bit, y'know! I'd love to do some more comedy! I love comedy! It's so much fun to play! Acting wise, that's my favorite genre, cause I'm such a goofball, but writing wise, my comedy, like I said, is very dark and twisted. I'm really open for anything right now. A good drama would be fantastic. Or a musical. Always up for a musical. Hey, Mr. Sondheim, give me a call!

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


I think horror films totally speak to the disenfranchised. Look at something like Carrie or May. These are profoundly beautiful and moving films where the characters are feeling what most of us have felt at least a few times in our lives. We just want to be noticed. I think that's what all humans want. It's basic and simple. It all comes down to wanting other people to realize they exist. Horror films give a lot of people a way to see that they're not alone. It's kinda beautiful when you think about it. Sure, some of those characters don't win in the end, but it at least puts the spotlight on those wallflower type characters. I wish I knew why I was drawn to these films. It's hard to describe. Believe it or not, I wasn't always the sultry sexpot you see before you today. LOL! I felt very isolated and alone. While I never had any real enemies until I went to an arts college (you don't even have to be looking for them for them to find you there), most of my friends moved away, transferred to different schools, etc. It's hard having your best friends leave you like that. You start to feel alone. I was never that cool , mainly because I was never good at sports in school, although I tried very hard for a few years. Funnily enough, I now enjoy playing sports every now and then. Isn't it hilarious how now, when I don't need them as a social crutch, I enjoy them? I also stuttered, as well, so that never helps! I still don't understand what caused it. Some found it cute, but I just found it annoying. My mind was working faster than my mouth. Maybe that means I'm some kind of genius, huh? One can only wish! I think horror films let me see that maybe I don't have it as bad as I think I do. Plus, they're fantasy films! They take you away into a different world for two hours. What's wrong with that? We all need a little break every now and then.

OK, this is a question that only you could answer: A knife fight between Ethel Merman’s Mama Rose and Bette Davis', Baby Jane Hudson – who gets cut?


Ethel Vs Bette? Oh, my! Well, you know that the real Rose Hovick actually did kill someone and buried her on her farm. I think she was a lesbian, too! I think they should do a sequel to Gypsy and show that stuff. It would be fascinating. As for a fight? Well, Rose was a strong dame! Poor Jane was so in her own world that Rose might very well be able to take her down. She'd at least talk her ears off until she got what she wanted. Rose was far more verbally violent, whereas Jane always seemed more unhinged. She'd probably the one doing the cutting, but I'm sure Rose would cut right back!

Finally, here is your chance, what do you want the world to know about Chris Moore?

What do I want people to know about me? Well, I guess that I'm loyal. Pretty much, pay me a compliment or do something nice for me and you're my friend for life. I love chicken 'n dumplings! I'm a good ol' Southern boy, so my taste in food is pretty simple:if it's fried, I'll probably like it. Except fried Twinkies or (in Oprah voice) deeeeeeppp frrrrriiieeeddd buuuuttttteeeeer! That's just nasty as Hell! I went to a state fair with my friends last year and they had a whole booth of deep friend everything. Even deep fried, chocolate covered bacon! Yeeeesh! Anyway, I'm obsessed with the TV show Gilmore Girls! I think Lauren Graham and I would be a very cute couple! It's my dream to one day play Rose in Gypsy, although it will never happen, as I'm not a big fan of drag. I'm hoping they'll make a version of the show with a Papa Ross instead. It's possible, right? I'm a Stephen Sondheim freak! I love that man. He's a total genius. I have to work with him one day. If I did, I could die happy! I've got a great little YouTube review vlog called Confessions of A Horror Baby, which is coming back this month, where I review the best, worst, and most ridiculously weird films I can find. I work in skits, musings, and the occasional musical number in there. It's a lot of fun! Everyone should check it out! I really just want to get my name out there and have people enjoy my films and my performances. I want to be employed! I'll take anything I can get! Low budget, big budget, birthday parties, weddings, strip clubs, etc.! It's always been my secret dream to be one of those big cult movie stars like Mary Woronov, Joe Dallesandro, Divine, Mink Stole, Pia Zadora, etc. It'd like to at least get to a level of mainstream success where I don't have to worry about money ever again and just do great b-movies for the rest of my career. In the next few years, don't be surprised to see me whoring myself out in movies like High School Musical 6 or on T.V. shows like Gossip Girl. I need the money to make good movies! I just want to entertain! Always have, always will!

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