THE BASEMENT BOOK SHELF: “You Won’t Believe Your Eyes! (Revised and Expanded Monster Kids Edition): A Front Row Look at the Science Fiction and Horror Films of the 1950s” by Mark Thomas McGee
Being a monster kid myself, when books like this come out, I am all over them. I just cannot get enough of reading about science fiction and horror movies, especially from the 1950s. I believe this was the most prolific error for releasing these films and I have thoroughly enjoyed every one that I have seen. I am really glad that these movies are getting the recognition they deserve in the many books released on the subject. They range in quality from very good (like Bill Warren’s “Keep Watching The Skies“) to dreadful (like Rob Craig’s “It Came From 1957“) but at least one thing can be said, movies from the 1950’s are getting more coverage than ever.
“You Won’t Believe Your Eyes! (Revised and Expanded Monster Kids Edition): A Front Row Look at the Science Fiction and Horror Films of the 1950s” is a 2018 updated release from their original 2013 version. Author Mark Thomas McGee grew up in the 50’s so he was fortunate enough to have been able to experience many of these films as they should be, on the big screen. In some instances the author shares what it was like to see these films, as a kid, for the first time and then describe what it was like, many years later as an adult, to see them again.
McGee then takes it one step further. Through interviews with the makers of these films, as well as with many of the actors and actresses, he is able to paint a picture of what it was like working on these films. Everything from how rushed to be made many of these films were to on set romances and feuds are covered. It is these stories, and the experiences of the author himself, that sets this guide apart from most others.
This expanded version, now 352 pages as opposed to the 267 pages of the original is a nice updated copy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and the author should be commended. Basic plot lines are included and in most cases the authors point out if the movie is good or not (but then again, even the worst of what the 50’s had to offer is fun to watch). It is also full of great photos, some I had never seen before, adding to the overall enjoyment of this book.
If you would like to add this awesome book to your library, just click on the image below. Don’t forget to read the other blogs in my BASEMENT BOOK SHELF REVIEW series.
~David Albaugh
