Happy St. Patrick's Day

Greetings again from the Darkley Niche as we commemorate another holiday: St. Patrick's Day! Instead of going the obvious route with the infamous 'Leprechaun' franchise, we're posting a handful of videos here that variously blend horror and St. Patrick's Day themes. Maybe it will put you in the mood to watch more. Have some laughs, scares, and a few green-dyed drinks with friends, tonight! As our storyteller Vicki would tell you, be sure to party in moderation. She is undead after all, so know your limitations.

And because the YouTube embedding was disabled for this video:

The Nightmare Before St. Patrick's Day

ZotB: zombie snail

The original slow zombie.

Easter at the Niche, part I

In the mood for some seasonal horror with an Easter theme? While the selection is limited, the Niche will list several examples to help satisfy your craving. Not all of these are directly Easter related, per se (or necessarily "horror", for that matter). However, there are relevant tie-ins with themes of the holiday (ex: rabbits, eggs, etc.). Our only stipulation here is excluding explicitly religious subject matter, which might be deemed offensive. It may have religious themes tied to Easter, but nothing that directly involves Christ. If you were expecting something in regards to "zombie Jesus", it's not happening.

FEWDIO's Easter Bunny

We touched briefly on this short video in a previous post. FEWDIO, creator of the short "The Easter Bunny is Eating My Candy", is a production team currently consisting of seven individuals with a simple objective that is effectively summed up in a single sentence: "We create nightmares." Indeed, they do. Just a personal recommendation, if you watch "Easter Bunny" or the other shorts do it alone and in the dark. It's a surefire way to frighten you awake.

Also, a brief thanks to Paul of FEWDIO for the kind words about the aforementioned post.

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creepy Easter Bunny costume

A traditional Halloween costume of a frightening rabbit ("Peter Rottentail", example seen left) would also work well to scare the lil' tikes during Easter time. We're sure that those out there with a dark sense of humor could concoct something creative. Just be sure to do it in good fun, alight? There's a significant difference between a playful scare and terrifying a child to tears. Remember to use a little discretion and common sense.

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'Donnie Darko'

Speaking of costumes, we're sure that most of you are familiar with Frank the rabbit from 'Donnie Darko'. While the film is more science fiction/psychological thriller than horror, they don't come much creepier than Frank. The macabre, skull-like grin and whispering voice alone are enough to make anyone shiver. It doesn't get better when Frank unmasks himself, either.

As an Easter egg to horror fans, notice that 'The Evil Dead' plays on screen while Frank and Donnie converse in the dimly lit movie theater. Even before this, take note of the double feature sign outside the theater, which advertises 'Halloween' and 'Frightmare'. If you want to give it another Easter tie-in, you'll see that 'The Last Temptation of Christ' was also showing as Donnie leaves the theater.

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Švankmajer's 'Alice'

Czech artist Jan Švankmajer masterfully creates a dark retelling of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland in this 1988 Surrealist fantasy film. Wonderland itself is made mostly of a succession of dilapidated, cryptic rooms and baiting Alice along the way is the iconic White Rabbit. However, with its false glass eyes and a visceral tear across its stomach that constantly spills sawdust, this White Rabbit is an actual taxidermied animal brought to life by stop-motion animation. It initially escapes its display after biting through the nails in its paws. Rather unsettling, to say the least.

Watch a sample of Švankmajer's 'Alice' here.

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'Critters 2: The Main Course'

Now, I haven't watched this particular film franchise yet. However, I've come to learn that the sequel is set in a small town during the holiday festivities. In fact, the Crites even attack a man dressed in costume as the Easter Bunny. Is that incentive enough to watch? I think so, yes.

randomness: TLC's Cake Boss goes zombie

let them eat cake... and braaaiiinnns

memorial: Zelda Rubinstein (May 1933 - Jan 2010)

Zelda Rubinstein as Tangina Barrons ('Poltergeist')

It was brought to my attention that actress Zelda Rubinstein, best known for her role as medium Tangina Barrons in the 'Poltergeist' films, as well as guest appearances in the 'Poltergeist: The Legacy' television series that followed as seer Christina, passed away yesterday at age seventy-six at Los Angeles' Barlow Respiratory Hospital. 'Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon' (2006) was the last film that she appeared in, meaning that from her earliest film debut, 'Poltergeist' (1982) being preceded by 'Under the Rainbow' (1981), her acting career spanned twenty-five years that began in her late forties and continued into her early seventies. That's impressive by my standards. Aside from her contribution to the AIDS/HIV public awareness campaign during the 1980s, which could have jeopardized her career, Rubinstein is commendable for her lifelong effort to help little people like herself. A woman whose height was overshadowed by an ample heart, Zelda Rubinstein will be missed.

Merry Cryptmas

It's Christmas Eve, so to leave you with something a little festive at the Niche here's the Crypt Keeper. If you haven't heard his holiday album 'Have Yourself A Scary Little Christmas', I suggest that you might give it a listen. I've just learned about this rotten little goody myself (via Rhonny Reaper of the Dollar Bin Horror), so I know I will. From myself to you, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good fright.