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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