No fan of classic horror movies is unaware of the name Boris Karloff. The Englishman, who died at the age of 81, is one of my favorite horror actors.
1. Boris Karloff, born William Henry Pratt on November 23, 1887, died of emphysema at his home in England on February 2, 1969. He was a major player in the formation of the Screen Actors Guild, or SAG, an American labor union founded in 1933.
2. Karloff spent 10 years in repertory companies, and then he went to Hollywood appearing in forty-five silent films for Universal Studios, including The Last of the Mohicans (1920) and Forbidden Cargo (1925).
3. The actor is best remembered for his portrayal of Frankenstein's monster in Frankenstein (1931), Bride of Frankenstein (1935), and Son of Frankenstein (1939). Karloff was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - one for motion pictures and one for television.
4. The role that made Boris Karloff a star is his most famous role, that of Frankenstein's monster in the 1931 movie Frankenstein. When Bella Lugosi refused to take a role in which he would have his face hidden by makeup and have no lines, the role of The Monster went to Karloff.
5. Remember the 1966 cartoon version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Karloff provided the voice for the bitter, green character created by Dr. Seuss.
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The best Boris Karloff movies in my opinion are ISLE OF THE DEAD, BEDLAM and CORRIDORS OF BLOOD.
ReplyDeleteLitria sounds really interesting. Thanks for the guest post!
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ReplyDeleteThanks Yvette! Then there's always THE BODY SNATCHER!
ReplyDeleteThank you for bringing Litria to my attention. I wonder how the idea for new type of monsters (and their unordinary names) comes about to authors' minds:)) Zxxtergins? Very hard to pronounce:) But sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteHey oloore! I wanted to write about something other than vampires or werewolves. (I got the idea about 10 years ago, before the zombie craze. I love zombies.) An author friend of mine came up with the name for my monsters - pronounced X-ter-gin. I sat on my idea until 2012 when I finally wrote novella 1. Novella 2 - CONAN - will be submitted to my publisher on September 3. There are four novellas in THE M SERIES. After I'm done with it, I'm working on a zombie novel. Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteMy TBR list is getting way to big !! Thanks for popping over to our weekly book blog hop this week xx
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to see an article on Boris C. Wow, that was in my time.
ReplyDeleteLove to win and read.
cenya2 at hotmail dot com
Hello Marjorie! His monster movies were before my time, but I still love him!
ReplyDeleteI really loved him in Comedy of Terrors. But of course his portrayal of Frankenstein's monster is just downright Epic ! Did you know the caved in jaw on one side of the monster was actualy his own idea ? He just took his false teeth out. Sometimes simple things can become really cool. :-)
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DeleteHey Kurt! How he got the caved in jaw is a piece of Boris trivia I didn't know! Thanks for telling us!
ReplyDeleteInteresting article on Boris, thanks for sharing those facts. Also the new book from Jolie du Pré sounds like a page turner.
ReplyDeletefencingromein at hotmail dot com
Thank you, Shannon, and thanks for visiting!
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeletestopping by from the blog hop :) your newest follower!! hope to hear from you soon!
xoxo - kylie
www.kandcamera.com
Thanks for stopping by, Kylie!
ReplyDeleteMr. Karloff was a favorite of mine, too. I am olden....and I saw many, MANY of the scary movies of the 40's. Scary movies are still a favorite of mine. :)
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower and would love for you to come over sometime.
xo bj
Thank you for a most insightful post about a remarkable actor, and also synopsis of book one of the M series; that sounds truly origonal.
ReplyDeleteI would be honored if you could put my name forwards for the amazon giftcard giveaway, thank you so much. x
Email: lfountain1(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk
Thanks for coming~MaryAnn
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Thanks for the post and the chance. :)
ReplyDeleteerin.ringwald at gmail
Hello bj, Lucinda, MaryAnn and Erin!! Thanks for stopping by!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite of Boris Karloff's movies is The Mummy although I like all of them. Loved his voice.
ReplyDeleteWhat great cover on Litria.
Thank for the chance to win.
Leona
mnleona@aol.com
Hey Leona! Yes, I loved The Mummy! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeletethat book sounds great! - regnod(at)yahoo(d0t)com
ReplyDeleteThanks Daniel!
ReplyDeleteNew Follower. I love the cover of Litria!
ReplyDeleteSydney @ Starry Storm
New follower!
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My FF
I'm here from Flashback Friday, but I guess you're not playing today or did I miss the picture somewhere?
ReplyDeleteThank you Sydney, Christina and Xmasdolly for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteAlicia stopping by. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe opening scene of The Mummy contains one of the most chilling moments in early horror cinema. After having inadvertently resurrected the Mummy, which we see slowly opening its eyes as the scroll’s contents is recited, a young archaeologist sets about studying the scrolls he’s just read from. The camera lingers on him as he reads – everything is quiet. Too quiet. Suddenly, almost leisurely, matter of factly, a mummified arm reaches slowly into the shot to pick up the scrolls from the table in front of him. We see Norton react to the 'thing' standing before him - his look of surprise turning to incomprehension then turning to raw terror. Becoming delirious, all he can do is laugh hysterically as the Mummy, which remains largely unseen, shuffles off again - all we see are the trailing bandages behind it as it makes a 'stealthy' retreat. His crazed laughter echoes throughout the night as he loses his mind forever, mindlessly mumbling ‘He went for a little walk! You should have seen his face!’ This moment is so chillingly effective because it is so down-played and subtle.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations bj! You won the $5 Amazon gift card!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity. I enjoyed the write up about Boris Karloff.
ReplyDeleteInteresting piece about Boris Korloff. Frankenstein is one of my favorite classics. I will have to add Litria to my list of books to read. Stopping by from That Friday Blog Hop. I hope you have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteMichele @ http://lovejoyjunction.blogspot.com/
Aww Boris, one of my fav's. What a great post! thank you for sharing your lovely post on the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. xo
ReplyDeleteThis post is really different from my usual blog hopping! Frankenstein - you had me at Frankenstein! Pop by of you get a chance!
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ReplyDeletehttp://passionateandcreativehomemaking.blogspot.com/2012/09/beautiful-thursdays.html
Thanks for sharing! His movies were before my time but the book sounds interesting.
ReplyDeletehuntandride@hotmail.com
Wow, I didn't know half of that!
ReplyDeleteMy uncle does an amazing impression of Mr. Karloff.
ReplyDeleteHow very interesting!
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Lover the cover art of the book!
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I'm a brand new visitor. This site is cool.
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteLitria sounds perfect for the coming Halloween season :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a Boris Karloff fan, too. Can't beat his Frankenstein!
thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeletegkuroda(at)hawaii.edu
Thank you very much!
ReplyDeletelnrains7(at)gmail.com
I really enjoyed this informative post! He was a great Frankenstein!
ReplyDeleteThank You!
wow love the post. thank you so much
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Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletemarine.mom42@hotmail.com
I love "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas." His voice is just perfect! I love his movies too. Definitely some of the best horror around. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOMGosh, this book sounds fantastic! The idea's you come up with for your book's are amazing!
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this book sounds great
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hello stopped by the blog. great review
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Thanks for the chance.
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interesting fun facts. Thanks for the giveaway!
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Hi. New fan. Thanks for the giveaway. Very interesting topic.
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Thanks for the giveaway!
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I ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO READ AND NOW IM DYING TO READ LITRIA.
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This book sounds really awesome! I really enjoyed this post! My email is jaysgin6@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteThose are some interesting facts about Karloff.
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sounds like agreat book. you have piqued my interest.
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Thanks for the info and the giveaway! jenniferpeaslee at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI love the voice for the Grinch! He did an excellent job! sarlin12 at hotmail dot com. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great site. Thanks for the awesome giveaway as well :)
ReplyDeleteThe book sounds awesome! I love mystery and creatures all in one book.
ReplyDeleteI love reading and movies as well!
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
I didn't know any of that about Karloff! Thanks for hsaring, and for the giveaway. scg00387 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that about him helping form the SAG.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing about Karloff. I didn't know about him. Thanks also for this wonderful giveaway!
ReplyDeleteblessienelson(at)gmail(dot)com
New visitor here!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the very interesting information on Mr. Karloff. The Grinch is my absolute favorite and so because of that Mr. Karloff holds a special place in my heart. It was neat to learn these other things about him.
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Thanks for the information and the contest!
ReplyDeleteHello I didn't know anything about him at all lol very informative!
ReplyDeleteHoping to win the giveaway also !!
cassandraashleym(At)yahoo(Dot)com
Zombies Rule!Boris was the King of late night Horror
ReplyDeleteCan't wait until my kids are old enough to watch Frankenstein! Thanks for the giveaway!
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I really enjoy reading about Boris Karloff! Thanks for sharing this post!
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iceyogurt(at)gmail(dot)com
this sounds really cool
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Interesting post! Thanks for the chance to win, too!
ReplyDeleteSara
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Boris Karloff was a cinematic legend, known for his iconic portrayal of classic monsters like Frankenstein's Monster. write for us digital marketing This article beautifully pays tribute to a true icon of the silver screen.
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ReplyDeleteBoris Karloff was an iconic actor with a mysterious charm that brought classic horror to life. His contributions to the genre are unforgettable! Want to dive deeper into the world of horror? Check out the spine-chilling adventures at Undead Invasion!
ReplyDeleteAh, so the secret to a truly terrifying performance is just being British and patient enough to wait out Bella Lugosi's vanity. Got it. Also, learning he voiced the Grinch just made my childhood slightly more sinister in the best possible way. Want to play a fun puzzle clicker game that makes your clicking more exciting, then come to Pressing Under Pressure.
ReplyDeleteAh, the original monster who made us feel sympathy for a stitched-together giant. I guess when Bella Lugosi said no to the makeup, he didn't realize he was passing up the role that would define horror royalty. Karloff's legacy: from terrifying audiences to stealing Christmas with a Grinch's grin. What a range! Do you want to experience a brand new life? Do you want to start from scratch? Choose the life you want? Then come here and play. Bitlife Unblocked
ReplyDeleteAh, so the secret to a long and successful career is to spend a decade in repertory, then let someone else turn down a role because they're afraid of makeup and no lines. Noted. Also, who knew the Grinch's heart was two sizes too small because he was secretly a horror icon? Brilliant career pivot. If you want to play a new way to play Roblox, come and experience it here Steal Brainrot Online
ReplyDeleteAh, so Boris Karloff was the original "it's what's on the inside that counts" advocate—he made a career out of it when Lugosi turned it down! Who knew the Grinch and Frankenstein's monster shared a voice? Talk about range. If you want to play the fun Block Blast and experience the exciting brick breaking gameplay, then come and experience it in Block Blast Block Blast
ReplyDeleteAh, Boris Karloff: the man who taught us that with enough makeup and a good grunt, you can become a horror icon—and later, the voice of holiday cynicism. From terrifying villages to stealing Christmas, what a range! Want to play the fun circus gameplay, constantly unlock new circus plots, bring you an immersive experience, come to The Freak Circus.
ReplyDeleteAh, so the secret to the Grinch's iconic voice was just a horror legend trying to sound cheerful? No wonder he wanted to steal Christmas! Karloff truly mastered the art of being unforgettable, whether under layers of monster makeup or just a bit of green fur. Are you still worried about not being creative in creating images, or want to create better images, come and try Banana Prompts Hub.
ReplyDeleteAh, so the secret to a long and successful career is to be born as William Henry Pratt and then become Boris Karloff. Got it. Next life, I'm picking a much cooler stage name and mastering the art of the silent, makeup-heavy groan. Also, the Grinch? That's the real horror story—stealing Christmas is far scarier than any monster! Want to play a more exciting minesweeper game and find more traps, try it out in Minesweeper Plus.
ReplyDeleteAh, so Boris Karloff was basically the original method actor—he spent 10 years in repertory theatre just to prepare for a role where he couldn't speak and had his face covered in makeup. Talk about commitment! And to think, we have Bella Lugosi to thank for passing on the part that made Karloff a legend. Guess even vampires have their limits when it comes to bad makeup days. Want to generate a favorite image or a very beautiful image, you can do so in Flux2
ReplyDeleteAh, so Boris Karloff was the original "it's what's on the inside that counts" actor—he became a legend by having his face covered and saying nothing. Take that, method acting! And to think, his most famous line delivery might just be a Grinch-y "I must stop this Christmas from coming!" What a range. Ignite Your Creative Genius! With AI-powered magic, instantly transform, restyle, or reinvent any photo. Go from ordinary to extraordinary visuals in a snap and let your imagination soar，Come try Image to Image!
ReplyDeleteAh, so the secret to a long, successful career is to spend a decade in repertory, then let another actor's vanity hand you an iconic, makeup-heavy role with no lines. Noted. Karloff really did steal more than just Christmas. Looking for fun gameplay in Orbit Kick? Unleash your boundless energy and experience exciting soccer shooting action! Come and try Orbit Kick!
ReplyDeleteAh, Boris Karloff: the man who gave a monster a heart and a Grinch his signature growl. Who knew the face of horror also had such a union-friendly side? SAG owes him a thank-you card. Want to play a fun bird game and control the bird to adventure around the world, in Bird Game 3!
ReplyDeleteAh, so Boris Karloff was the original "it's what's on the inside that counts" guy—he made a career out of being terrifyingly good while hidden under layers of makeup, then stole Christmas with just his voice. A true master of horror and holiday cynicism! Do you want to play the fun Storm Grill and experience the exciting water drop gameplay, come and experience it in Storm Grill !
ReplyDeleteAh, so the secret to a long career in horror is to start by scaring people in silence and then just keep talking? Karloff really nailed the "strong, silent type" before becoming the voice of holiday bitterness. Brilliant career arc! Generate stunning AI photos for Tinder, Bumble & Hinge. Get 3x more matches with studio-quality headshots in minutes. In Swipe Ready !
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