A study of horror movies, which discusses individual movies in detail and seeks to identify the main traditions of the genre, such as the mad scientist, the monster and the psychotic killer, and to show the various strategies and techniques behind their creation.
Preface vii
1 Introduction: Horror-Movie Histories 1
Part I Genre History
2 Facts, Figures and Frightful Fiends 17
3 Genre History I: 1931 - 1960 27
4 Genre History II: 1961 - 1984 48
Part II Narrative Resources
5 Narratives 81
6 Events - Characters - Settings 106
Part III Science, Supernature, Psyche
7 Mad Science 133
8 Lurkers at the Threshold 158
9 The Sleep of Reason 185
10 Conclusion: Security and Paranoia 211
Subject/Name Index 225
Index of Film Titles 231
