Paul Blaisdell, Monster Maker: A Biography of the B Movie Makeup and Special Effects Artist

by Randy Palmer

  Cast: Tod Andrews (Dr. William Arnold), Tina Carver (Dr. Terry Mason), Gregg Palmer (Kino), John McNamara (Prof. Clark), Linda Watkins (Mrs. Kilgore), Suzanne Ridgway (Korey), Baynes Barron (Maranka), Robert Swan (Tano), Mark Sheeler (Eddie), Lee Rhodes (Norgu), Grace Matthews (Orchid), Tani Marsh (Naomi), Chester Hayes (Maku), Lenmana Guerin (Dori).

  The Ghost of Dragship Hollow (1959). An American International release. Produced by Lou Rusoff. Directed by William Hole, Jr. Written by Lou Rusoff. Associate producer and production manager—Bart Carré; music score and supervision—Ronald Stein; director of photography—Gil Warrenton; film editors—Frank P. Keller and Edward Sampson; art director—Dan Haller; set decoration—Harry Rief; assistant director—Lou Germonprez; properties—Karl Brainard; sound editor—Joseph Von Stroheim; music editor—Albert Shaff; music coordinator—Jimmie Maddin; wardrobe—Marjorie Corso; hair stylist—Scotty Rackin; makeup—Bob Marks; sound—Jimmy Thompson; script supervisor—Judy Hart. Special songs: “Charge,” “Geronimo,” “Ghost Train,” by Nick Venet; “Tongue Tied” by Jimmie Maddin; “He’s My Guy” by Charlotte Braser; “I Promise You” by Bruce Johnston and Judy Harriet. Running time: 75 minutes.

  Cast: Jody Fair (Lois), Martin Braddock (Stan), Russ Bender (Tom), Kirby Smith (Wesley), Jack Ging (Tony), Nancy Anderson (Nita), Leon Tyler (Bonzo), Elaine Dupont (Rhonda), Sanita Pelkey (Amelia), Henry McCann (Dave), Dorothy Neumann (Anastasia), Beverly Scott (Hazel), Judy Howard (Sandra), Jean Tatum (Alice), Bill St. John (Ed), Tommy Ivo (Allen), Marvin Almars (Leon), George Dockstader (Motorcycle Cop), Paul Blaisdell (the Ghost).

  Goliath and the Dragon (aka The Revenge of Hercules and The Vengeance of Hercules; original title: La Vendetta de Ercole; 1960). An American International release. Produced by Achille Piazzi and Gianni Fuchs. Directed by Vittorio Cottafavi. Screenplay by Mario Piccolo and Archibald Zounds, Jr. Art director—Franco Lolli; cinematography—Mario Montuori; editor—Maurizio Lucidi; music (U.S. release only)—Les Baxter. Running time: 90 minutes.

  Cast: Mark Forest (Goliath/Hercules), Broderick Crawford (Eurystheus), Eleonora Ruffo (Dejanara), Gaby Andre (Alcinoe), Sandro Maretti (Ismene), Phillipe Hersent (Illus), Frederica Ranchi (Thea).

  Hot Rod Girl (1956). An American International release. Produced by Norman Herman. Directed by Leslie Martinson. Screenplay by John McGreevey. Running time: 75 minutes.

  Cast: Lori Nelson, John Smith, Chuck Connors, Roxanne Arlen, Mark Andrews, Paul Blaisdell (uncredited, the “near-miss victim’’).

  How to Make a Monster (1958). An American International release. Produced by Herman Cohen; directed by Herbert L. Strock; original story and screenplay by Kenneth Langtry and Herman Cohen; music—Paul Dunlap; “You’ve Got to Have Ee-Ooo” music by Paul Dunlap, lyrics by Skip Redwine; director of photography—Maury Gertzman; production manager—Herb Mendelson; art director—Leslie Thomas; assistant director—Herb Mendelson; script supervisor—Mary Gibsone; set decorator—Morris Hoffman; property master—Sam Gordon; wardrobe—Oscar Rodriguez; production secretary—Barbara Lee Strite; makeup—Philip Scheer; editorial supervisor—Jerry Young; dance choreographer—Lee Scott; music editor—George Branel; sound effects editor—Verna Fields; sound—Herbert Lewis. Running time: 88 minutes.

  Cast: Robert H. Harris (Pete Drummond), Paul Brinegar (Rivero), Gary Conway (Tony Mantell), Gary Clarke (Larry Drake), Malcolm Atterbury (Richards), Dennis Cross (Monahan), Morris Ankrum (Capt. Hancock), Paul Maxwell (Jeff Clayton), Robert Shayne (Gary Droz), Walter Reed (Det. Thompson), Heather Ames (Arlen Dow), Thomas B. Henry (Martin Brice), Eddie Marr (John Nixon), Jacqueline Eboior (Jane), John Phillips (Det. Jones), Rod Dana (Lab Technician), Pauline Myers (Millie), Joan Chandler (Marilyn), John Ashley (as himself).

  Invasion of the Saucer Men (British title: Invasion of the Hell-Creatures; 1957). An American International release. A James H. Nicholson and Samuel Z. Arkoff presentation of a Malibu production. Produced by James H. Nicholson and Robert J. Gurney, Jr. Directed by Edward L. Cahn. Screenplay by Robert J. Gurney, Jr., and Al Martin. Based on an original story by Paul Fairman. Executive producer—Samuel Z. Arkoff; music—Ronald Stein; photographer—Fred West; production manager—Bart Carré; editorial supervisor—Ronald Sinclair; art director—Don Ament; film editor—Charles Gross, Jr.; property master—Karl Brainard; makeup—Carlie Taylor; wardrobe—Marjory Corso; sound recorder—Phil Mitchell; technical effects—Paul Blaisdell; special effects—Howard Anderson and Alex Weldon; script supervisor—Judith Hart. Running time: 69 minutes.

  Cast: Steve Terrell (Johnny Carter), Gloria Castillo (Joan Hayden), Frank Gorshin (Joe Gruen), Lyn Osborn (Art Burns), Raymond Hatton (Mr. Larkin), Douglas Henderson (Lt. Wilkins), Sam Buffington (Colonel), Russell Bender (Doctor), Bob Einer (Soda Jerk), Ed Nelson (Boy), Scott Peters (1st Soldier), Calvin Booth (Paul), Kelly Thorsden (Sgt. Bruce), Ray Darmour (Sgt. Gordon), Don Shelton (Mr. Hayden), Jan Englund (Waitress), Patti Lawler (Irene), Jim Bridges (Boy #2), Buddy Mason (Policeman), Joan Dupuis and Audrey Conti (Girls), Jimmy Pickford and Orv Mohler (Boys in Soda Shop), Angelo Rossito, Lloyd Dixon, Edward Peter Gibbons, Dean Neville (Saucermen), Bob Burns (uncredited—Saucerman); Paul Blaisdell (uncredited—Saucerman).

  It Conquered the World (1956). An American International release of a Sunset production. Produced and directed by Roger Corman. Screenplay by Lou Rusoff [and Charles B. Griffith, uncredited]. Executive producer—James H. Nicholson; music—Ronald Stein; photographer—Fred E. West; property manager—Lou Place; film editor—Charles Gross; makeup—Larry Butterworth; music editor—Jerry Irvin; sound—Jay Ashworth; property master—Karl Brainard. Running time: 68 minutes.

  Cast: Peter Graves (Dr. Paul Nelson), Beverly Garland (Claire Anderson), Lee Van Cleef (Tom Anderson), Sally Fraser (Joan Nelson), Russ Bender (Gen. Pattick), Charles B. Griffith (Pete Sheldon), Richard Miller (Sgt. Neil), Jonathan Haze (Pvt. Manuel Ortiz), Karen Kadler (Ellen Peters), Taggart Casey (Police Chief N. J. Schallert), Paul Harbor (Floyd Mason), Tom Jackson (George Haskell), Marshall Bradford (Secretary Platt), David McMann (Gen. Carpenter), Jim Knight (Bazooka Man), Paul Blaisdell (Visitor from Venus).

  It! The Terror from Beyond Space (1958). A United Artists release of a Vogue picture. Produced by Robert E. Kent. Directed by Edward L. Cahn. Screenplay by Jerome Bixby. Director of photography—Kenneth Peach; art director—William Glasgow; assistant director—Ralph E. Black; set director—Herman Schoenbrun; makeup—Lane Britton; sound—Al Overton; music—Paul Sawtell and Bert Shefter; supervising editor—Grant Whytock; effects editor—Robert Carlisle; script supervisor—George Rutter; property master—Arthur Wasson; wardrobe—Jack Masters. Running time: 68 minutes.

  Cast: Marshall Thompson (Col. Edward Carruthers), Shawn Smith (Ann Anderson), Kim Spalding (Col. Van Heusen), Dabbs Greer (Eric Royce), Ann Doran (Mary Royce), Paul Langton (Calder), Robert Bice (Purdue), Thom Carney (Kienholz), Richard Benedict (Bob Finelli), Richard Hervey (Gino Finelli), Ray “Crash” Corrigan (“It!’’).

  Jack the Giant Killer (1962). A United Artists release of an Edward Small production. Produced by Edward Small. Directed by Nathan Juran. Screenplay by Orville H. Hampton and Nathan Juran. Associate producer—Robert E. Kent; art directors—Fernando Carrere and Frank McCoy; cinematography—David S. Horsley; makeup—Charles Gemora; editor—Grant Whytock; music—Paul Sawtell and Bert Shefter; special effects—Howard A. Anderson, Jim Danforth, and David Pal. Running time: 94 minutes.

  Cast: Kerwin Matthews (Jack), Judi Meredith (Princess Elaine), Torin Thatcher (Pendragon), Walter Burke (Garna), Barry Kelley (Sigurd the Viking), Don Beddoe (the Imp); Roger Mobley (Peter), Dayton Lummis (King Mark), Anna Lee (Lady Constance), Tudor Owen (Chancellor), Helen Wallace (Jack’s mother), Robert Gist (Capt. McFadden), Ken Mayer (Boatswain).

  Monster from Green Hell (1957). A DCA release. Produced by Al Zimbalist. Directed by Kenneth G. Crane. Screenplay by Louis Vittes and Endre Bohem. Executive producers—Jack L. Gross and Philip N. Krasne; associate producer—Sol Dolgin; production manager—Byron Roberts; direc
tor of photography—Ray Flin; music—Albert Glasser; production design—Ernst Fegté; assistant director—John Greenwald; film editor—Kenneth G. Crane; script supervisor—Doris Moody; special effects—Jess Davison; sound editor—Charles Biltz; music editor—Robert Post; sound (Robert W. Roderick)—Shirley Cooley; set decorator—G. W. Bernsten; property master—Robert Benton; makeup—Louis Haszillo; wardrobe—Joe Dimmitt; special photographic effects—Jack Rabin and Louis Dewitt. Running time: 77 minutes.

  Cast: Jim Davis (Quent Brady), Robert E. Griffin (Dan Morgan), Barbara Turner (Lorna Lorentz), Vladimir Sokoloff (Dr. Lorentz), Eduardo Ciannelli (Mahri), Joel Fluellen (Arobi), LaVerne Jones (Kuana), Tim Huntley (Territorial Agent), Frederic Potter (Radar Operator).

  Motorcycle Gang (1957). An American International release of a Golden State production. Produced by Alex Gordon. Directed by Edward L. Cahn. Screenplay by Lou Rusoff. Running time: 78 minutes.

  Cast: Anne Neyland, Steve Terrell, John Ashley, Carl Switzer, Raymond Hatton, Paul Blaisdell (uncredited bit as “a victim’’).

  Not of This Earth (1957). An Allied Artists Pictures Corp. release of a Roger Corman production. Produced and directed by Roger Corman. Screenplay by Charles Griffith and Mark Hanna. Music—Ronald Stein; photographer—John Mescall; editor—Charles Gross, Jr.; production manager—Lou Place; sound—Philip Mitchell; key grip—Charles Hanawalt; makeup—Curly Batson; property master—Karl Brainard. Running time: 67 minutes.

  Cast: Paul Birch (Mr. Johnson), Beverly Garland (Nadine Storey), Morgan Jones (Harry Sherbourne), William Roerick (Dr. Frederick W. Rochelle), Jonathan Haze (Jeremy Perrin), Richard Miller (Joe Piper), Anne Carrol (Davanna Woman), Tamar Cooper (Joanna Oxford), Roy Engel (Sgt. Walton), Pat Flynn (Simmons), Harold Fong (Specimen), Gail Ganley (Girl), Ralph Reed (Boy).

  Oklahoma Woman (1955). An American Releasing Corp. presentation of a Sunset production. Produced and directed by Roger Corman. Screenplay by Lou Rusoff. Music—Ronald Stein; cinematography—Fred West; editor—Ronald Sinclair. Running time: 73 minutes.

  Cast: Richard Denning (Steve Ward), Peggie Castle (Marie Saunders), Cathy Downs (Susan Grant), Tudor Owen (Ed Grant), “Touch” Connors (Tom Blake), Paul Blaisdell (Henchman), with Martin Kingsley, Bruno VeSota, Dick Miller.

  The She-Creature (1956). An American International release of a Golden State production. Produced by Alex Gordon. Directed by Edward L. Cahn. Story and screenplay by Lou Rusoff. Original idea by Jerry Zigmond. Executive producer—Samuel Z. Arkoff; director of photography—Frederick E. West; production supervisor—Bart Carré; film editor—Ronald Sinclair; music—Ronald Stein; art director—Don Ament; assistant director—Bart Carré; set decorator—Harry Reif; property master—Karl Brainard; wardrobe—Marjorie Corso; makeup—Jack Dusek; sound—Ben Winkler; script supervisor—Judith Hart. Running time: 76 minutes.

  Cast: Chester Morris (Dr. Lombardi), Marla English (Andrea), Tom Conway (Timothy Chappel), Cathy Downs (Dorothy Chappel), Lance Fuller (Dr. Ted Erickson), Ron Randell (Lt. Ed James), Freida Inescort (Mrs. Chappel), El Brendel (Olaf), Frank Jenks (Police Sergeant), Paul Dubov (Johnny), Flo Bert (Marta), Kenneth MacDonald (Prof. Anderson), William Hudson (Bob), Jeanne Evans (Mrs. Brown), Paul Blaisdell (the Creature).

  Sorority Girl (aka Confessions of a Sorority Girl, 1957). An American International release of a Roger Corman production. Produced and directed by Roger Corman. Screenplay by Ed Waters and Leo Lieberman. Cinematography—Monroe P. Askins; editor—Charles Gross; music—Ronald Stein. Running time: 61 minutes.

  Cast: Susan Cabot (Sabra Tanner), Fay Barker (Mrs. Tanner), Barbara Crane (Billie Marshall), June Kenney (Tina), Dick Miller (Mort), with Barboura O’Neill, Jeane Wood.

  Teenagers from Outer Space (aka The Gargon Terror, 1959). A Warner Bros. release of a Tom Graeff production. Written, produced, and directed by Tom Graeff. Production associates—C. R. Kaltenthaler, Gene Sterling, and Bryan G. Pearson. Running time: 85 minutes.

  Cast: David Love (Derek), Dawn Anderson (Betty Morgan), Harvey B. Dunn (Grandpa Morgan), Bryan Grant (Thor), Tom Lockyear (Joe Rogers), King Moody (Captain), Helen Sage (Miss Morse), Frederic Welch (Dr. Brandt), Sonia Torgeson (Swimmer).

  The Undead (1956). An American International release. Produced and directed by Roger Corman. Screenplay by Charles Griffith and Mark Hanna. Music—Ronald Stein; photographer—William Sickner; assistant director—Lou Place; film editor—Frank Sullivan; choreographer—Chris Millner; makeup—Curly Batson; sound—Robert Post; key grip—Charles Hanawalt; property master—Karl Brainard. Running time: 77 minutes.

  Cast: Richard Garland (Pendragon), Pamela Duncan (Diana Love/Helene), Richard Devon (Satan), Allison Hayes (Lydia), Bill Barty (the Imp), Mel Welles (Smoukin), Bruno VeSota (the Innkeeper), Dorothy Newman (Meg Maud), Val Dufour (Quintus), Richard Miller (uncredited), Aaron Saxon (uncredited), Paul Blaisdell (uncredited, as a corpse).

  Voodoo Woman (1957). An American International release of a Carmel production. Produced by Alex Gordon. Directed by Edward L. Cahn. Story and screenplay by Russell Bender and V. I. Ross. Executive producers—Samuel Z. Arkoff and James H. Nicholson; director of photography—Frederick E. West; production supervisor—Bart Carré; film editor—Ronald Sinclair; music composer and conductor—Darrell Calker; “Black Voodoo” music by Darrell Calker, lyrics by John Blackburn; art director—Don Ament; assistant director—Bart Carré; set decorator—Harry Reif; properties—Karl Brainard and Richard M. Rubin; wardrobe—Bob Olivas; makeup—Carlie Taylor; special makeup—Harry Thomas; sound—Bob Post; script supervisor—Judith Hart. Running time: 77 minutes.

  Cast: Marla English (Marilyn Blanchard), Tom Conway (Dr. Roland Gerard), “Touch” Connors (Ted Bronson), Lance Fuller (Rick), Paul Dubov (Marcel), Mary Ellen Kaye (Susan Gerard), Norman Willis (Harry West), Martin Wilkins (Chaka), Otis Greene (Bobo), Emmett E. Smith (Gandor), Jean Davis (Native Girl), Giselle D’Arc (Singer), Paul Blaisdell (the Monster; also an uncredited bit part as a drunken tavern customer).

  War of the Colossal Beast (aka The Terror Strikes, 1958). An Amercan International release. Produced and directed by Bert I. Gordon. Screenplay by George Worthing Yates. Story by Bert I. Gordon. Director of photography—Jack Marta; production manager—Herb Mendelson; editorial supervisor—Ronald Sinclair; special technical effects—Bert I. Gordon; music composer and conductor—Albert Glasser; assistant producer—Henry Schrage; assistant technical effects—Flora M. Gordon; assistant director—H. E. Mendelson and John W. Rogers; art director—Walter Keller; set decorator—Maury Hoffman; property master—Walter Broadfoot; chief set electrician—Babe Stafford; assistant film editor—Paul Wittenberg; sound editor—Josef Von Stroheim; special makeup—Jack H. Young. Running time: 68 minutes.

  Cast: Sally Fraser (Joyce Manning), Dean Parkin (Glenn), Roger Pace (Major Baird), Russ Bender (Dr. Carmichael), George Becwar (Swanson), Roy Gordon (Mayor), Robert Hernandez (Miguel), Charles Stewart (Capt. Harris), Rico Alaniz (Sgt. Luis Murillo), Jack Kosslyn (Newscaster), George Navarro (Mexican Doctor), Howard Wright (Medical Corp. Officer), George Milan (Gen. Nelson), George Alexander (Army Officer), John McNamara (Neurologist), Bill Giorgio (Bus Driver), Warren Frost (Switchboard Operator), Stan Chambers (Television Announcer), Loretta Nicholson (Joan), June Jocelyn (Mother), Bob Garnet (Correspondent Pent).

  List of Names and Terms

  Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

  ABC-TV

  The Abyss

  Ackerman, Forrest J

  Agar, John

  Alda, Alan

  Alda, Robert

  Alien

  Alien3

  The Alien Dead

  Aliens

  Allied Artists Pictures

  Altman, Steve

  The Amazing Colossal Man

  The Amazing Nth Man

  American International Pictures

  American International Records

  American International Television

  American Releasing Corp.

  Anderson, Howard

  Anderson, Nan
cy

  Anglo-Amalgamated Pictures

  The Angry Red Planet

  Apache Woman

  Arkoff, Samuel Z.

  Arnold, Edward

  Arnold, Jack

  Aryes, Robert

  Ashley, John

  Assignment—Paris!

  The Astounding She Monster

  The Atomic Monster

  Atragon

  Attack of the Crab Monsters

  Attack of the Eye Creatures

  Attack of the Giant Leeches

  Attack of the Puppet People

  Aurora Plastics Company

  Autry, Gene

  Avalon, Frankie

  Azalea Films

  Baker, Everett

  Baker, Rick

  Bava, Mario

  Beach Party

  The Beast from Haunted Cave

  The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms

  The Beast with a Million Eyes

  Beginning of the End

  Bender, Russ

  Benedict, Richard

  Bennett, Jack

  Bernard, James

  Bernstein, Morey

  Bernstein, Richard

  Bewitched (TV series)

  Beyond the Barriers of Space

  Beyond the Time Barrier

  Bice, Robert

  Bickford, John

  Big Little Books

  Billiken USA

  Birch, Paul

  Bixby, Jerome

  Black, Ralph E.

  The Black Cat

  Black Sabbath

  The Black Scorpion