R.I.P. TOBE HOOPER

By posting some of props from TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE in the last couple of weeks, I unknowingly was portending the passing of its director.

Director Tobe Hooper died yesterday in Sherman Oaks, CA of unknown causes. He was 74. Mr. Hooper was born in Austin, Texas on 25 January 1943. He went on to become the first great director of independent horror films (i.e. the ones that made money) and paved the way for a generation of new horror filmmakers. Hooper's other notable films were: POLTERGEIST, THE FUNHOUSE, LIFEFORCE and lots of TV work, including the memorable miniseries, SALEM'S LOT. He also directed Billy Idol's music video for the song, "Dancing With Myself".