THE STATE OF THE HORROR FILM, 1959

"Horror is now one of the basic American commodities, like breakfast cereal and soap." 

- Charles Beaumont and Hollis Alpert

Buried away in the March, 1959 issue of PLAYBOY, is this hidden gem of an article co-authored by then Contributing Editor (and TWILIGHT ZONE scripter) Charles Beaumont and famous film critic, Hollis Alpert (later to co-write the PLAYBOY SEX IN CINEMA series with Arthur Knight). The piece analyses the current state of the horror film and its influence on the movie-going public. The authors convincingly discuss the similarities between the successful formulas used in both Western and horror films and conclude that these are the reason for their popularity.

In 1959, however, it was the science-fiction and horror film that reigned at the box-office, especially at the drive-in, where the nation's youth could go and spend their money on "cheap thrills" as well as other "recreational activities". . . sex and horror -- the perfect match.

Producer Robert Newman stated that "Horror movies are sexually stimulating to people, whether they know it or not. The monster itself is usually a symbol of sexual power unleashed." The authors confirm this by adding that King Kong, Frankenstein, Dracula, the Creature From the Black Lagoon and Caligari's Cesare were all "skirt chasers". Considering the publication that the article appeared in, this angle is covered in depth.

The piece goes on to delve into the machinations of Hollywood and provides several anecdotes regarding the love/hate relationship between Tinsletown producers and their biggest meal ticket, horror films, proving its hard not to look a gift monster in the mouth.

Oh, and if you're wondering who the Playmate of the Month was for the issue, it was the tastefully posed "girl next door", Audrey Daston.