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[ladykarloff]

It's been awhile since I've been active on Tumblr so I wanted to check in on you first! We're halfway through the year now but I hope you've had a lovely start to June and I know now that I'm very late but happy birthday nevertheless!

And since this is an ask, my question for you is one you've probably been asked before but, are there any films of Karloff's that you find underrated or underappreciated?

Aww, thank you so much for the late birthday wishes! That is awfully kind of you. I hope this year has been good to you thus far.

And as for your question, I think my answer will always come down to "Targets." It's such a beautifully visceral film, and it's a shame that it isn't acknowledged like it should be. It's undoubtedly one of his finest performances, and every time I watch the end, I'm always so fearful of what will happen.

And the subject of gun violence has never been more relevant than it is today. It's almost like the director predicted the future somehow, and with the political unease in the air and how unruly gun laws are with such leniency, it's terrifying to see these things happen whether in real life or in fiction.

It's such an important film, and I wish more people would see it. I wish they'd air it more, too. And with how it truly reflects his twilight years, it's heart-rending and bittersweet to see one of the films that highlighted not only the drawing close to his career, but also to his life. He's so haunted in that film, and it breaks my heart even though he truly gives it his all. It definitely deserves to be recognized for what it is, and that is cinematic art.

[ladykarloff]

What's your favorite scene in The Black Cat and your favorite look of Karloff's in that film?

I have to admit that my favorite scene is the shot where he's about to be flayed alive by Bèla. The tearing of the clothes is symphonic, and to see his perfectly chiseled sternum and ribcage, knowing they're about to be stripped of that lush flesh, it makes my heart pound. For all its sadism, the homoerotic tension is there and I am all for it.

As for his look, I love it when he dons his ceremonial robe and wears his inverted star upon the silver chain and the slender curved sterling silver bar. It promptly creates a subtle effect of blending in ritual elements and his androgynous features. His widow's peak, his eyeliner and his softly darkened lips would've looked so beautiful against his dark skin had it been filmed in color.

But of course, those are my thoughts.

[ladykarloff]

I apologize in advance if the way I word things makes what I say sound like insincere flattery but imagine my surprise when I check in with your blog to see if you've posted or reblogged anything new only to find your writing "When To Becomes One"

It's absolutely gorgeous! And if I had to describe it in other words for me it's so beautifully gothic in all the ways that I adore, it scratches an itch in my brain and It makes me curious when did you start writing seriously? Like what began that journey for you?

And I know not everyone is looking for feedback but I like to show proper love for the things I enjoy and for the things that inspire me so I hope you won't mind this ask too much.

Aww, it's alright! I always appreciate feedback and I thank you for your kind words.

I suppose you could say I've always taken my writing seriously, though in all honesty, I've never taken a creative writing course. I've been writing this way since I was thirteen, so my understanding of "adult" themes was always present even though I shouldn't have been learning about them just yet. I just write from the heart and from the recesses of my mind, and I try to indulge in worded pleasures however I can. I mostly rely on my inner most thoughts and dreams and write them down, or in this case, type them.

I'm a woman who is not afraid to write about physical and emotional desires. I'm the one who writes about blood, sex, passion, and adamant horror, and I am completely content with that. I suppose it also depends on what kind of music I'm listening to as I write.

(I listen to a lot of H.I.M and Ville's solo works.)

Maybe some day I will find a way to publish my works. I've already started to earmark them to form a novella. I'm going to look further into this, but if anything, I'll make a PDF file to share with everyone when it's complete.

Again, I thank you for coming into my inbox and leaving such sweet and darling words. You're truly a good friend, and I feel fortunate to include you now amongst my Tumblr family!

[ladykarloff]

What's the first film of Boris Karloff's that you watched? I think Frankenstein is obvious answer for most so if that was your first then perhaps the second one you watched?

Hmm, I actually discovered "Bride of Frankenstein" through "Bride of Chucky" just as Jennifer Tilly is about to be electrocuted in the bathtub! 😅

I think I was five, so I remember my grandfather renting all three "Frankenstein" films from Family Video. Until last year, I hadn't seen "Son of Frankenstein" for many moons.

But I love "The Black Room," "The Black Cat," and "The Mummy," of course. And I just love all of his television shows and his appearances on other programs. Anything that man is in, I'll watch or listen to.