A Podcask of Amontillado

Gary Mitchel & Erin McGourn

A Podcask of Amontillado is a horror podcast, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. read less
TV & FilmTV & Film

Episodes

Silver Screams - Part 2
Oct 31 2023
Silver Screams - Part 2
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. Like any monster, the discussion Erin & Gary had with Amy Chandler could not be contained! Please rejoin them as they continue their examination of the classic Universal Monsters! Listen as they cover The Invisible Man & the outstanding work of Claude Rains, practical effects that hold up to this day, Griffin’s body count, the humor the movie needed, their assignment for Kamassa, why Gary shouldn’t be trusted with time travel, the impact of The Bride, how Dr. Frankenstein is still a jerk, dead on dead action, the importance of casting unknowns, the pathos and sympathy of the monsters, how it could happen to you, the colors of the mask of the Phantom, the Creature as a Cryptid & why he should have been left alone, and how there’s always time for style. The Invisible Man trailer. The Bride of Frankenstein trailer. "She's ALIVE!" Dark Universe teaser. The Wolf Man 1935 and 2010. The Phantom of the Opera 1925 and 1943. The Carolina Theater in Greensboro, NC. Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein trailer. Creature from the Black Lagoon trailer and swiming scene. The Shape of Water trailer. Monster Squad trailer. Universal Classic Monsters: Icons of Horror 4K collection on Amazon. HAPPY HALLOWEEN Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Discord, Instagram, and on Facebook! If you like us, please share us, and leave a review! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
Silver Screams - Part 1
Oct 24 2023
Silver Screams - Part 1
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. When it comes to horror characters, there are a few that are true legends. Iconic characters that have stood the test of time. Ones that came to define the genre in their now classic films, and have dominated pop culture for nearly 100 years – The Universal Monsters! To discuss these titans of terror, Erin & Gary are joined by Amy Chandler from Earth Station One. Join them as they discuss when the Universal Horror era started, the Classic Era and it’s transition to Atomic Horror, the Universal films as gateway horror, lost and found scenes, the two versions of Dracula, Bela’s version of the Count, how the movies were inventing cinema, the respect deserved by Dwight Fry, putting yourself in the mindset of the era, the makeup of Jack Pierce, the performances by Karloff, renaming issues, early censorship & the Hays Code, pre-code heroines, if The Mummy is actually the most powerful monster, reasonable reactions to the Undead, and Yeeting Fritz. TV Tropes on the Universal Monsters Dracula trailer  The Return of Doctor X trailer Dwight Fry's terrifying Renfield  Frankenstein's Monster meets Maria Gods and Monsters trailer Freaks trailer The Mummy 1932 & 1999 The Ring of Thoth by Arthur Conan Doyle NECA Universal Monsters figures & Funko Pop! versions Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Discord, Instagram, and on Facebook! If you like us, please share us, and leave a review! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
Crystal Lake Counselor Handbook - Chapter IV: To Hell & Beyond
Aug 29 2023
Crystal Lake Counselor Handbook - Chapter IV: To Hell & Beyond
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. In 1993, our favorite slasher had slaughtered dozens of teenagers who trespassed at his camp, become undead, fought a psychic, and ventured from Crystal Lake to the Big Apple. So where could he go next? Why, to Hell and to outer space, of course! To discuss Jason’s travels into two sets of great beyond, Erin & Gary recruit someone familiar with galaxies far, far away, Beth Van Deusen from Execute Chapter 66: A Star Wars fiction podcast! Listen in as they discuss why Erin shouldn’t be trusted, they ponder how many “Finals” Jason can have, why horror franchises get so many sequels, Jason’s status as a Deadite, everyone’s love of Creighton Duke, the unexpected big names you’ll find in the series, Jason as a cottage industry, the joy of practical SFX, “Doing a Jason”, how Jason X is a perfect 2000s horror time capsule, why horror franchises keep going to space, Jason’s comfort machete, and the fanfic they all really need: Jason vs Wolverine. Jason vs the FBI Jason vs Military (and one of Gary's favorite moments) Jason's (possibly) greatest kill Kill Count on Jason X AO3 - Enter At Your Own Risk Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, Discord, and on Facebook! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
The Fraidy Cat's Guide to Horror
Aug 1 2023
The Fraidy Cat's Guide to Horror
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. Believe it or not, Connoisseurs, there are people who do not enjoy the thrills and chills of our favorite genre! They are not drawn to the dark, creepy, spooky things that go bump in the night. Most of the time, that is. However, they will sometimes take a peek into our delightfully fun stories, if the tale is well told. Erin & Gary were curious as to why someone would avoid venturing into this fearful territory they love, and what might tempt them to dip an occasional toe into the dark waters. To find out, they are joined by their friend, and certified scaredy cat, Kamassa Herrmann, to discuss her history with horror (and why she usually avoids it), inflatable T-Rex costumes, everyone’s lines and levels of desensitization, their feelings about The Walking Dead, watching horror with friends, various gateway horrors, the Scooby-Doo factor of Supernatural, the role of sound in horror, why Gary gets all the hate mail, a Game of Thrones diversion, a Beetlejuice rant, and how Kamassa was able to out-ick Erin & Gary! CONjuration in Atlanta, November 17th - 19th Zombi3 trailer Disney's Zombies 3 trailer The Zombieland opening credits Calabrese - Born with a Scorpion's Touch video Captain America Zombie in What If...? & figure Captain Rhodes' death in Day of the Dead ('85) Black Dagger Brotherhood series Dark Hunter series Russell Edgington, from True Blood, on vampire equality ERB Tolkien vs Martin video Penny Dreadful trailer Carrie Fisher in Scream 3 Attack the Block trailer Watcher Entertainment Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, and on Facebook! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
Cthulhu Awakens! 95 Years of the Call
Jul 11 2023
Cthulhu Awakens! 95 Years of the Call
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. In February of 1928, Weird Tales published a story by H. P. Lovecraft that would reshape the landscape of horror. A cornerstone of a new mythos, with an influence still felt to this day, The Call of Cthulhu! Listen in as Erin & Gary break author Darin M. Bush out from behind the wall to discuss the story for its 95th anniversary, including if HPL’s tales really are hopeless, the many interpretations of the creatures of the Mythos, the indifference of the universe, the upending of science in HPL’s time & how that affected his stories, having fun with accents, the goals of the Cthulhu Cult, determining the body count in the tale, HPL’s use of beautiful language to describe horrible things, some of the works that the tale inspired, what does Cthulhu really look like, and how do you pronounce Cthulhu anyway? Tables of Content "The Call of Cthulhu" by H. P. Lovecraft Searching trailer Stephen King's N. H.P. Lovecraft's THE DEEP ONES trailer Suitable Flesh trailer Dredge "Under the Pyramids" By H. P. Lovecraft for Harry Houdini Call of Cthulhu RPG Arc Dream Publishing Flatland The Fourth Doctor explaining the TARDIS Lovecraft Country The H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society H.P. Lovecraft's the Call of Cthulhu for Beginning Readers Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, and on Facebook! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
Man Made Monster, Part One
May 23 2023
Man Made Monster, Part One
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. The very first science fiction story is also a tale of terror about a man driven to push past the boundaries of what man was meant to know. Following his example is an army of those who have dared play God by building monsters in their quest to explore forbidden knowledge! Listen in as Gary & Erin are joined by Tom Morris of The Good, The Bad, and the Nerdy Movie Podcast to discuss the various Frankenstein representations, what separates a “normal” scientist vs a “mad” one, the role of regret & ego in their work, the Merry Marvel Madmen, the need for scientific oversight organizations, and how not all of them are the villains of the story.  And remember, if they build death rays, they're not mad scientists, but mad engineers, and that's a whole other episode. It's Alive! It's ALIVE! Frederick Frankenstein, Stage Mom. Hammer's Curse of Frankenstein trailer. 1931's Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde transformation. 1989's Nightmare Classics version of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde full movie. Andrews as Jekyll and as Hyde. Norman Osborn's mirror scene. National Theater's Frankenstein discusses the Creature. Bernie Wrightson's Illustrated Frankenstein "I Will Be With You on Your Wedding Night..." illustration, and available on Amazon. Hasselhoff in Jekyll & Hyde "Confrontation" Doc Brown at work. Dr. Seth Brundle discusses Insect Politics. Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, and on Facebook for show notes and more! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
Spookshow: Horror Cons
May 9 2023
Spookshow: Horror Cons
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. We are a few months from Spooky Season, Connoisseurs, but we are just about to enter another great time of year, Convention Season! And there is no con like a horror con! The stars, the cosplay, the dealer’s room, the excitement of being surrounded by hundreds of fellow fans of fear! There is so much going on, so much to do, where do you start? Especially if you’ve never been? Thankfully, this episode will help you with those questions, and more, as Erin & Gary are joined in the Catacombs by Brittney, aka Sunny Midnight! She’s the hostess with the mostess for Fright Nights at The Springs Cinema & Taphouse, as well as a guest wrangler at many horror conventions! Listen in as they discuss why you should attend horror conventions, why you might want to volunteer for a con, what to do (and NOT do) while there, share con stories, Norman Reedus’ stealth skills, how to survive the dealer’s room, who they’d like to meet at a con, horror cosplay, finding your horror community, and the importance of playing it cool. Horrorcons.com Jen and Sylvia Soska aka Twisted Twins Productions Gary “meets” Peter Capaldi A Buck Short Productions Jarrod Alberich, The Yard Sale Artist Artetak  Talk to Me trailer Here Come The Mummies The Casket Creatures Validating creepy cosplay Days of the Dead Texas Frightmare Monstermanina Spooky Empire Monsterama Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, and on Facebook for show notes and more! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
Crystal Lake Counselor Handbook - Chapter III: Rise of Hodder
Apr 11 2023
Crystal Lake Counselor Handbook - Chapter III: Rise of Hodder
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. By 1987, Friday the 13th was an institution, a pop culture juggernaut that seemed as unstoppable as its main character. But after six movies and dozens of kills, some people thought that the series needed to be shaken up a bit. Thus, we get two movies that took the franchise in some new directions, pitting Jason against a superpowered final girl, and then taking him from the New Jersey forests to the mean streets of Manhattan (eventually). The biggest change, however, was the introduction of the man who would become what most people consider to be the definitive Jason Vorhees; actor, writer, stuntman, the legend, Kane Hodder. Rejoin Erin & Gary as they once more release Shaun Rosado from behind the wall, and welcome Laura Rosado from Pop*Cycled Baubles down into the catacombs to discuss the borders of Jason’s territory, the size & location of Crystal Lake, the timeline of the series, how Kane is made of iron, when the 80’s finally settles into the movies, the ecology of the rich teen, Jason wandering around Jasoning, Erin & Shaun’s NY Survival Guide, Jason’s breathing, Laura’s boat rant, Kane’s support of his fellow actors, potential Jason/Jaws/Lake Placid crossovers, the worst doctor & the worst uncle in the series, and Jason as a . . . feral panda? Kane Hodder's biography. Friday the 13th.fandom.com. Crystal Lake's (possible) connection to NY Map. Maniac of New York on Amazon. Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, Discord, and on Facebook! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
Talkin' Troma
Mar 28 2023
Talkin' Troma
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. Back in 1974, two men had a vision, talent, and a drive to make their own damn movies, free of the major studios. Thus, Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz founded Troma Entertainment, the longest running independent film studio to date! Home of over 1,000 movies, as either producer or distributor, Troma’s library runs the gamut of horror, comedy, exploitation, and more. Listen in as Erin & Gary are joined by former Troma writer Chace Ambrose to discuss independent cinema, low/no budget SFX, Toxie’s evolution from gory revenge film to Saturday morning cartoon star, the gas pumps of New Jersey & Oregon, the Troma Vibe, the various stars who got their start with Troma, the Toxie/TMNT connection, the Tromaverse, H. R. Geiger’s feelings about the studio, their recommendations from the Troma library, and Troma’s Three Rules of Filmmaking. Troma Entertainment & the Troma NOW! streaming service. The Toxic Avenger and Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger 4 trailers. Trees: The Movie trailer. Tromeo & Juliet trailer. Killer Condom trailer. Witchcraft trailer. Redneck Zombies trailer. Lollilove trailer. Tromadance Film Festival. Lloyd Kaufman's books on Amazon. Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, Discord, and on Facebook! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
Crystal Lake Counselor Handbook - Chapter II: Tommy Can You Fear Me?
Mar 15 2023
Crystal Lake Counselor Handbook - Chapter II: Tommy Can You Fear Me?
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. Return with us, dear Connoisseurs, to Camp Crystal Lake as Erin & Gary continue their examination of their favorite slasher series, Friday the 13th! In this super-sized episode, they are joined by author Jason Gilbert from Terrible Movies with Wonderful People to discuss Parts IV, V, and VI, the Tommy Jarvis arc. Listen in as they discuss 80’s dance moves, which film has the strongest cast in the series, Tommy as a charcter, his growth, & relation to Tom Savini, how with Part IV Jason is no longer “mortal”, characters vs caricatures, the brutality of Jason, how Part V could have been improved, non-cringe nudity, America’s unhealthiest diner, wonder what happens to all the blood, how part VI is a comedy – until it isn’t, Jason’s family, gore vs humor, the video game Gary would like to see, Jason’s relationship to water & if he needs a weakness, and discuss what kind of entity is Jason, exactly? 13 Fanboy trailer Never Hike Alone fan film Crispen Glover's Clowny Clown Clown again, just because. "He's killing me!" Friday the 13th: The Game's map We love Ethel He's Back! The Man Behind the Mask video Jason's iconic RV kills Friday the 13th - Vengeance fan film The underwater Jason statue Bill the Vampire book series NECA's Part VII Jason figure Jason Gilbert's webpage and books Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, Discord, and on Facebook! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
Resident Evil: Alice in Zombieland
Feb 28 2023
Resident Evil: Alice in Zombieland
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. On the outskirts of Racoon City, a woman awakens with amnesia in a strange mansion. As she explores the residence, it is invaded by an elite strike team. They tell her that she is Umbrella Security, was there to guard the secret entrance to the Hive, an underground research facility that has gone dark, and Umbrella wants answers. What begins as a zombie action movie becomes a series with clones, bigger monsters, the apocalypse, genetic mutations, crazed AIs, global conspiracies and zombie dogs, but it always comes back to Alice. Listen in as Erin & Gary are joined by author, podcaster, blogger, and musician Keith R.A. DeCandido to discuss this wild series of video game adjacent movies, how novelizations work & the struggle of translating mediums, the divergences between the games & the movies, how the films & Alice evolved over the series, the scene that sets off Gary & Erin, Paul W. S. Anderson’s Bay aspirations, the influence of Alien on the series, the characters that did (and did not) make it from the games to the movies, Erin’s love of the zombie dogs, Keith’s least favorite tropes, and smooth zombies. The Gentleman Who Fell video. Fun with lasers. Rain turns. Resident Evil: Apocalypse teaser trailer. The Nemesis was done right. The novelizations of the first three & last two movies on Amazon. Keith's live readings on YouTube. Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness trade paperback. Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, Discord, and on Facebook! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
Conjuring the Warrens
Feb 14 2023
Conjuring the Warrens
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. From a creepy doll, to a house in New England, to putting the Devil on trial, the investigation of these incidents made the reputations of two of the most famous figures in the world of the paranormal, Ed and Lorraine Warren. Their research, writings, speaking events and more not only raised awareness and interest in hunting down the supernatural, but lead to a thriving series of horror movies. Listen in as Erin & Gary are joined by Alex Matsuo from The Spooky Stuff to discuss the Spiritualism movement & origins of parapsychology, both the real and fictional versions of the Warrens & their investigations, why you don’t want to disturb supernatural entities, how the movie Warrens are like Sam & Dean Winchester, ethics in ghost hunting, their issues with The Conjuring 2, how Catholic imagery can easily be used to horrific effect, America’s obsession with hauntings, and what if a different Wilson was cast as Ed Warren. Emanuel Swedenborg, Franz Mesmer, The Fox Sisters, Peter Underwood, & Hans Holzer The Amityville Horror trailer. Ben Radford, professional skeptic, disucsses the Warrens. The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren by Gerald Brittle. The Conjuring trailer. House of Darkness House of Light by Andrea Perron. The Enfield poltergeist and The Enfield Haunting trailer. White With Red short film. Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorcism of Five Contemporary Americans by Malachi Marti. Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by Colin Dickey. Alex's books on Amazon. The fact that this episode was recorded on Lorraine's birthday, and is being released on Valentine's Day, is strictly a coincidence. We swear. Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, Discord, and on Facebook! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
Resident Evil: Press X to Shamble
Jan 31 2023
Resident Evil: Press X to Shamble
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. On the outskirts of Racoon City, the Bravo team of the elite S.T.A.R.S. police unit goes missing investigating a string of unusual murders. The Alpha team is sent in to find out what happened. What begins as story of corporate greed, genetic experiments, and unspeakable monsters has grown to become one of the biggest horror franchises in video games. Spanning across eight main games, spinoffs, remakes, with zombies, plant creatures, body horror, and more, Resident Evil has something for everyone. Listen in as Erin & Gary are joined by Zack Parris from the Back Row Super Show to discuss their first experiences with the series, the worldbuilding of the game, their favorite monsters & characters, why shorter horror games may be better, ponder what CAPCOM has against hands, its influence on other horror games, how the series has evolved over the years, and . . . Kindergarten Cop? Darkwood trailer “Dark Emplier” plays FNAF Licker Cutscene Zombie Dogs & Shark attacks! The Tyrant is born The Nemeis says hello She's a Lady, oh, woah, woah Silent Hill 2 Dog Ending Itchy . . . Tasty . . . Daymare 1998 trailer Biohazard - The Stage Musical & Biohazard: Voice of Gaia Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, Discord, and on Facebook! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.
Crystal Lake Counselor Handbook - Chapter 1: Momma's Best Boy
Dec 20 2022
Crystal Lake Counselor Handbook - Chapter 1: Momma's Best Boy
Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world. Clear waters, a peaceful forest, rambunctious teens, machetes, axes, arrows, pitchforks, and so much more. In this episode Erin & Gary get back to nature with Arcane Carolina's Charlie Mewshaw to begin their series discussing one of the most iconic 80's horror franchises, Friday the 13th. In this first chapter, our camp counselors examine parts one through three to discuss their first encounters with the force of nature that is Jason, the killer no one expected in the first movie, how the franchise is the cheeseburger of horror, that Jason & Pamela are victims who did nothing wrong, chainsaw-adjacent tool use, the series' innovations in SFX, 80's 3-D, Jason's Elvis moment & legal troubles, their hopes & fears for the upcoming prequel series, and how these three films work as a cohesive story that build Jason into the slasher icon we know and love. The original trailer that terrified Gary. Scream Factory Friday the 13th Collection Deluxe Edition. 80's 3-D!!! Spacehunter, Jaws 3-D, & Captain EO. Crystal Lake Memories Part 1 and Part 2. Death Count by Stacie Ponder. Charlie's Godzilla/Jason/Rancor pic. Jason Vorhees is a victim and did nothing wrong. Opening and closing music is "Softly Shall You Sleep," by Valentine Wolfe. Please follow us on TikTok, Twitter, Discord, and on Facebook! Contact us at apodcaskofamontillado@gmail.com! A Vino, Atrocitas.