House of Wax (1953)
Summary
The House That Screams hosts Erica, Crystal, Dave, and special guest Parker discuss the 1953 horror classic *House of Wax*. They praise Vincent Price’s iconic performance, the groundbreaking 3D effects, and Charles Bronson’s early role. The group compares the original to its 2005 remake, analyzes the practical makeup, and shares personal anecdotes about their first encounters with the film.
Topics discussed
Intro and welcome to 2 Maddening Hours
Guest introductions and book recommendations
Recalling childhood horror movie memories
Comparing the film to the Civil War book
Vincent Price's early career and commanding presence
Price's physicality and voice as a horror icon
Remakes of Vincent Price films and casting pressure
Crystal's love for Price and his cookbook
Cooking fish in a dishwasher anecdote
The 2005 Paris Hilton remake comparison
Charles Bronson cameo and Carolyn Jones
Universal Monsters era and typecasting Price
Erica's history with the 1930s original
The entrancing power of Price's eyes and voice
Candy's introduction to classic horror films
Price stealing the show as a villain
1953 censorship and facial effect details
Regret over missing classic films
Critique of the 2005 remake and Josh Hartnett
Josh Hartnett's acting and hair jokes
Stunt safety and the 'one take' rule
Box office success and inflation context
Director's anecdote about scaring teen boys
Price giving up a Broadway role for the film
Period costumes and hatpin self-defense
Backlot filming and bowler hat styling
Corset discomfort and period fashion details
Hatpins as self-defense mechanisms
Jokes about offending various groups
Continuity errors and modern filmmaking standards
Candy's mannequin fear and 50s sci-fi context
Mannequins as real people and Corman influence
Dick Miller's performance and influence
Igor character and physical acting
Physicality of portraying a mute character
3D film reels and theater modifications
Juggling balls in mouth and choking jokes
Wheelchair crutches and character mobility
Makeup effects and hair changes
Detailed makeup and period accuracy
Wax reveal and facial expression limitations
Wax types and skin melting science
Veronal as a date drug in the 50s
Veronal history and famous users
Anxiety and anesthesia experiences
Waking up during surgery fears
Redhead stereotype and anesthesia resistance
Half-brothers and anxiety sources
MRI sedation and music choices
Can-can dance and skirt shaking
Flesh-colored bodysuit and director conflicts
Modern porn vs. classic film nudity
Searching for fun and hilarious reviews
Paris Hilton death scene expectations
Cat behavior and understanding humans
Preference for thick cats
Freddy vs. Jason double feature release
Rotten Tomatoes scores and critic reviews
Bosley Crowther and classic criticism
Film holding up and ballyhoo origins
Joy de vivre and suspension of disbelief
Price as an icon and special effects praise
Opening fire scene and visceral impact
Sue's single outfit and heavy rotation viewing
Price's artistic respect and Poe films
8/10 score and pacing issues
Dream logic creepiness and Price's sympathy
Season 6 finale and upcoming shows
Season 7 plans and Warlock movie
Cast suggestions and listener feedback
Col Bear Press partnership and trashy content
Parker's social media and Dissect That Film
Collaborations and podcast structure appreciation
Erica's social media and message checking
Horror podcast mix and David Fincher debate
Scare My BFF social media presence
American Dad quotes and South Park exposure
Season 7 schedule and closing thanks
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