The Decades of Horror Grue Crews stick with the folk horror subgenre and bring in Scott Wells to help explain some of the details. This time, the film is A CHINESE GHOST STORY (1987), from Hong Kong producer Tsui Hark and director Siu-Tung Ching. The great Leslie Cheung and Joey Wang create the chemistry necessary to believe this "ghost meets innocent, naive tax collector" love story. Of course, they need the help of Wu Ma's Monk/Swordsman to overcome the hold the Old Dame has over the two lovebirds. Much wire-work, special makeup effects, stop-motion animation, and mystical shenanigans ensue, making for one heck of a fun film experience. Enjoy!

A CHINESE GHOST STORY (1987)
Episode 318 - Decades of Horror 1980s

Quote: "Be careful! Don't let her tongue enter your mouth!" - Sui Sin

Synopsis: A debt collector has no other choice than to spend the night in a haunted temple, where he encounters a female ghost, whom he falls in love with. To save her soul he must work with a monk to defeat the tree demon who owns her spirit.

Director: Siu-Tung Ching
Writers: Kai-Chi Yuen (as Kai-Chi Yun); Songling Pu (novel)
Cast:
Leslie Cheung as Ling Choi San
Joey Wang as Lip Siu Sin (credited as Wang Tsu Hsien)
Wu Ma as Swordsman Yin Chek Ha (credited as Wo Ma)
Siu-Ming Lau as Tree Devil
Wai Lam as Swordsman Hsia Hou
Zhilun Xue as Siu Ching

Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror 1980s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1970s. In two weeks, the next '80s episode, chosen by Doc is THE LAST SHARK (1981), also known as The Great White, featuring Vic Morrow and James Franciscus.

We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: make a comment on the site, the Gruesome Magazine YouTube Channel, or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

This exercise in lycanthropic folk horror from Argentina catches the Grue Crew by surprise. Lulled to sleep by the slow, freezer-burn pace of the first twenty minutes, they immediately perk up when the Devil shows his face. There are several reasons to watch this film: brilliant cinematography, an excellent performance from Alfredo Alcón, entertaining supporting characters, fascinating folk horror, and a WEREWOLF! Bill and Jeff are joined by Scott Wells, who adds his folklore expertise, and Gregory Crosby, who contributes his usual insightful analysis. Enjoy!

NAZARENO CRUZ AND THE WOLF (1975)
Episode 274 - Decades of Horror 1970s

Quote: "It's not good to laugh on Fridays. They say you will cry on Monday." -Devil

Synopsis: A young man from a mountain village faces a legendary curse threatening to turn him into a wolf. When he falls in love at twenty, the Devil makes him choose between wealth and his beloved-or accept a monstrous fate.

Director: Leonardo Favio
Writer: Juan Carlos Chiappe (radio program); Leonardo Favio, Jorge Zuhair Jury (credited as Zuhair Jury)
Cast:
Juan José Camero as Nazareno Cruz
Marina Magali as Griselda
Alfredo Alcón as The Powerful/Mandinga
Nora Cullen as La Lechiguana
Saul Jarlip as The Old Man Pancho
Juanita Lara as Fidelia

Gruesome Magazine's Decades of Horror 1970s is part of the Decades of Horror two-week rotation with The Classic Era and the 1980s. In two weeks, the next '70s episode, chosen by Doc is The Werewolf Versus the Vampire Woman (1971), featuring Paul Naschy.

We want to hear from you – the coolest, grooviest fans: make a comment on the site, the Gruesome Magazine YouTube Channel, or email the Decades of Horror 1970s podcast hosts at feedback@gruesomemagazine.com.

Jeff picks an obscure Japanese horror film, THE LIVING SKELETON (1968 - Kyūketsu Dokurosen), for episode 235 of Decades of Horror The Classic Era. This black and white novelty was featured in Criterion's When Horror Came to Shochiku along with The X from Outer Space, Genocide, and Goke, Body Snatcher from Hell. While skeletons are featured in the film, the rumors of their being "living" are greatly exaggerated. Instead, and perhaps for the better, director Hiroshi Matsuno plays out a ghostly revenge tale featuring bats, haunted ships, and mad scientists. Still, sadly, no living skeletons. Oh, well. Regardless, the film delivers plenty to discuss, marvel upon, and question heavily. Check it out. Enjoy!

THE LIVING SKELETON (1968)
Episode 235 - Decades of Horror: The Classic Era

Quote: "Go ahead and cry. Cry as much as you want. Your tears will purify your suffering and your hatred." - Priest

Synopsis: bout a young woman living in a seaside town haunted by the ghosts of a ship's crew murdered by modern-day pirates.

Director: Hiroki Matsuno
Writers: Kikuma Shimoiizaka and Kyûzô Kobayashi
Cast:
Kikko Matsuoka as Saeko / Yoriko
Yasunori Irikawa as Mochizuki - Saeko's fiancé
Masumi Okada as Father Akashi / Tanuma
Asao Uchida as Ejiri - gambling maniac
Asao Koike as Tsuji - Estate Agent
Toshihiko Yamamoto as Ono - Diver (credited as Norihiko Yamamoto)
Nobuo Kaneko as Suetsugu - Cabaret Manager

Every 2 weeks we'll be focusing on a specific film released between 1920 and 1969. Next up, chosen by Daphne is THINGS TO COME (1936).

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