McFarland & Company, Inc. is a book publishing company known for its dedication to genre books. While their releases often come with a steep price tag, the quality is top-notch, making them well worth the investment. Many of their books focus on niche topics that genre fans crave, offering deep dives into fascinating subjects.
The 1950s saw Hollywood erupt with a wave of cinematic monsters. Audiences were treated to an onslaught of demon aliens, dinosaurs, blobs, and colossal creatures that terrorized theaters and drive-ins alike. Lost worlds were uncovered, unnatural horrors invaded the screen, and gigantism ran rampant. Moviegoers were left with one burning question: How did they pull off these spectacular effects?
“Cheap Tricks and Class Acts: Special Effects, Makeup and Stunts from The Films of the Fantastic Fifties” provides a detailed answer. It provides a detailed answer to that question. This book takes readers behind the scenes. It reveals the cost-effective yet ingenious techniques. These were used to create the era’s most memorable movie magic. The book covers special effects and makeup. It also looks at stunts and set design. This provides a thorough examination of the artists and craftsmen who brought these films to life. The book also includes a comprehensive checklist of the key figures in makeup, props, and visual effects. It lists their film credits as well.
This book was originally published in 1996. I was surprised I hadn’t come across it sooner. This was unexpected given my deep love for 1950s cinema. I am a huge fan of this era’s films. I’m always looking for books that explore the creative processes behind them. Though out of print, decent used copies can still be found on Amazon.
Some argue that Bill Warren’s “Keep Watching the Skies” is the definitive book on 1950s sci-fi films. While I agree that it’s essential, I’d say “Cheap Tricks and Class Acts” is just as indispensable. This is one of the most entertaining books I’ve ever read!
If you’ve ever wondered how these beloved films were made, this book is a must-read. It’s packed with fantastic behind-the-scenes stories that make it hard to put down. Many evenings, I found myself eagerly anticipating the time I would sit back, relax, and dive into another chapter.
One of my favorite aspects of the book is its coverage of special effects artist Paul Blaisdell. Working on a shoestring budget, he created some of the most iconic movie monsters of the era. He had immense talent, but he remained vastly underrated during his lifetime. He only received the appreciation he deserved long after his passing.
At over 400 pages, this is one of the larger books in McFarland’s library. In addition to its wealth of information, it features numerous stunning black-and-white photographs that bring the stories to life. A labor of love, this book stands as a testament to the ingenuity of 1950s filmmaking. J.J. Johnson deserves high praise for his effort in preserving and celebrating this era’s artistry. Much like “Keep Watching the Skies,” this is a book I’ll revisit time and time again!
Don’t forget to read the other blogs in my BASEMENT BOOK SHELF series. If you want to add this book to your creepy library, click on the book cover below.
