Famous Monsters of Filmland — Issue #65 — May 1970

Famous Monsters of Filmland — Issue #65 — May 1970
Overview

Issue #65, released in May 1970, continues Famous Monsters’ signature mix of classic horror coverage, film history, and reader engagement. The issue balances tributes, creature features, rare media spotlights, and fan contributions, presenting a full picture of monster culture as it stood at the dawn of the ’70s.

Fang Mail

The magazine opens with responses from readers reacting to recent issues. Fans offer praise, criticism, and personal reflections, giving insight into how the FM community viewed the magazine’s evolving content.

The Phantom Strikes Again

This feature revisits the iconic masked character, maintaining FM’s long-running interest in pulp-era heroes and horror figures. It serves as a continuation of past Phantom coverage, reinforcing the character’s long-lasting appeal.

The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao

A major article explores the fantasy film The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao and its eclectic assortment of creatures. The piece highlights the Abominable Snowman, the Snake Man, Medusa, and other effects-driven creations, emphasizing the film’s imaginative use of makeup, puppetry, and visual trickery.

Mystery Photo

Readers are challenged to identify an obscure still from a classic film—one of FM’s recurring interactive features designed to test fans’ genre knowledge.

Tribute to Karl Freund

A respectful retrospective honors cinematographer and director Karl Freund, outlining his contributions to major classics including Dracula, The Mummy, Metropolis, and Mad Love. The article recognizes his technical influence on early horror and science-fiction filmmaking.

Beasts, Creatures & Things

This section surveys a wide variety of cinematic monsters, ranging from flying serpents and giant nautiloids to crustaceans and large-scale “Kong Crusher” types. It reflects FM’s enthusiasm for cataloging practical effects and creature design across decades of film.

The Mask of Fu Manchu

A detailed examination of the film spotlights Boris Karloff’s performance as Fu Manchu, focusing on the character’s depiction as an “Evil Oriental Mad Genius” and the production’s place in genre history.

When Karloff Played Chaney

FM revisits a long-forgotten radio interview with Boris Karloff discussing his time portraying Lon Chaney in a dramatic broadcast. The article preserves an obscure but valuable slice of horror-media history.

Girls & Ghouls Gallery

The second installment of this visual feature pairs portraits of actresses and models with monster-themed imagery. This issue highlights a sea creature encounter, blending beauty with classic creature design.

You Axed for It

A six-page spread displays film stills and portraits featuring famous horror icons including Jonathan Frid, Lon Chaney Jr., Peter Lorre, Vincent Price, and Boris Karloff. It serves as a curated mini-gallery of fan-favorite stars.

The Graveyard Examiner

The issue concludes with FM’s signature roundup of reader artwork, letters, news, and questions. This section reinforces the community-centered spirit that defined the magazine’s identity.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out our page. If you enjoy this channel, we would appreciate if you would Like, Subscribe, and share it with someone who remembers when monsters ruled the newsstands. And as always… stay curious, stay kind — and most of all, stay rooted in the truth. Grigsby Digital Home Studio.