I get a monthly publication with reviews about new fiction and non-fiction books. One I thought I’d share with some of you lovers of creature features. It is called:
THE LADY FROM THE BLACK LAGOON: HOLLYWOOD MONSTERS AND THE LOST LEGACY OF MILICENT PATRICK BY Mallory O’Meara.
Not sure I’d read this, but I know some of you have discussed this film before, and I hope MMM sees this. Maybe he has already read it.
Here are some comments written about this book. Mallory O’Meara sets the record straight about the talented and glamorous Milicent Patrick, one of Disney’s first female animators and the only woman to have designed a classic movie monster—the Creature from the Black Lagoon.”
O’Meara “It wasn’t until I started working in the film industry at age 23 that I understood the impact MP had on me…She was a constant reminder that I belonged in the world of monster movies.
Reading other reviews, it sounds like the author draws two parallel stories, Milicent’s story and the author’s story when working in Hollywood on monster movies.
I get a monthly publication with reviews about new fiction and non-fiction books. One I thought I’d share with some of you lovers of creature features. It is called:
THE LADY FROM THE BLACK LAGOON: HOLLYWOOD MONSTERS AND THE LOST LEGACY OF MILICENT PATRICK BY Mallory O’Meara.
Not sure I’d read this, but I know some of you have discussed this film before, and I hope MMM sees this. Maybe he has already read it.
Here are some comments written about this book. Mallory O’Meara sets the record straight about the talented and glamorous Milicent Patrick, one of Disney’s first female animators and the only woman to have designed a classic movie monster—the Creature from the Black Lagoon.”
O’Meara “It wasn’t until I started working in the film industry at age 23 that I understood the impact MP had on me…She was a constant reminder that I belonged in the world of monster movies.
Reading other reviews, it sounds like the author draws two parallel stories, Milicent’s story and the author’s story when working in Hollywood on monster movies.
Thanks for the tip, Joan. I am a sucker for film industry and specific film "making of" books (at your suggestion, I read the Wild Bunch book you discussed in your thread -- excellent!) and have read some other terrific books showcasing those whose artistry and brilliance have contributed to the creation of films, some famous and some infamous. LADY FROM THE BLACK LAGOON is at the top of my Amazon "wish list" so maybe I'll be able to add a review at some point not too far in the future. I'll drop you a note soon.
I always had a soft spot for the Creature from the Black Lagoon. For some reason it gave me nightmares as a child. However, I often came back to it in recent years. The recent blu-ray 3D release is excellent. The 3D is remarkable. The main titles stand out into the room and in the first sequence when a fragment of skeleton is discovering it also protrudes right out into the room. I don’t have a 3D tv but I go over to my cousin’s house anytime I need a creature fix. BTW, the film has a very effective score which is discussed in the commentary. There is also an excellent documentary on the disc. The sequel also is in 3D, but not as good as the original. Lovely Julie Adams is the creature’s prey and their water ballet is beautifully filmed.
