Can Evil Spirits Possess You?

As long as we're flippin' through the insane pages of madcap old men's mags, how about an excerpt from this article about evil spirits and possession, via the science-provin', March 1953 issue of Sir! And most notably, that disturbing photo of a "victim kissing a statue" on the second page. W.T.F? And apologies, my copy of this issue didn't seem to have page 56 which might've explained a few things... I know, I'm a big tease, right? But to be honest-- that boxer photo on the cover actually looks more possessed! AIEEEEE!!!

Host to Ghosts!

Ever wondered what it would be like to get invited to one of Alfred Hitchcock's notorious horror-filled "ghost party" shindigs of the 50's? The November 1956 issue of Suppressed has the answers, --and they have the spooky photos as proof too! Tombstone invites, zombie maitre d's, hearses, caskets, everything draped in black, etc... --the perfect soiree for 'ol Mr. Karswell!  

Psyche at Nature's Mirror

This is just a quick update to my Royal Dux "The Bather" statue from a few posts ago (HERE.) I found a perfect, though faux marble, pedestal which now fits her nice and starkly between my two large, living room book cases. Realizing the wall space above her head suddenly felt a bit empty, and in keeping with the theme of "bare breasted and bare footed babe on a rock", I added my favorite vintage, tin advertising beverage tray featuring Psyche, White Rock's fabulous mineral water mascot. Originally painted by German artist, Paul Thuman in the late 1800's, and originally titled "Psyche at Nature's Mirror", the owners of White Rock purchased the rights to the painting after seeing it at the Chicago's World's Fair (aka the World's Columbian Exposition) in 1893, thus making her the oldest running beverage mascot still in use today. But what a pair, right?!

House on Haunted Hill / The County Morgue

Two excellent, and very popular Halloween season haunted houses that I frequented as a kid in the late 70's and early 80's were the House on Haunted Hill in Kimmswick MO, and The County Morgue which was literally just down the highway one exit in Barnhart MO. Both were really well done and totally terrifying to walk through for an easily spookable, pre-Karswell youngin'. Someday I'll do a more in-depth post about them both, but in the meantime, here's a great old ticket I found for House on Haunted Hill the other day, featuring a really cool illustration and a funny little warning about being a negligent idiot. The County Morgue "Death Certificate" tacked on at the end of this post is something I've had for over 40 years now, obtained upon entry into what I remember being the absolute scariest haunted house ever! And boy, did I ever earn that certificate! If anyone out there reading this post has any fond memories of either or both haunted houses that they would like to share, please do!

The Bather

Also known as "The Seated Bather", this is a gorgeous, 19" Royal Dux porcelain figurine created by Paul Aichele in early 1900's Czechoslovakia. Modeled and naturalistically soft colored with gold touches on the base, as well as the ribbon holding back her lovely hair, she seems a bit sad that she has to dry herself off and head on home to do whatever it is a young lady like her did back in the day. I too am sad because I'm not exactly sure if this is an official / original Royal Dux or not, as it could possibly be a later reproduction. There are a few things about it that just do not match up with other examples I see online. For one, the pink triangle Royal Dux marking is completely missing from the underside, as well as some of the lovely Nouveau style detail on the base when compared to other online examples. Aside from that, she actually matches up perfectly in all other aspects of body, face, hair, rock structure, and drapery. She also apparently came in a variety of clothed versions as well (check Google if you're interested.) And for the final bit of associated oddness, you'll have to scroll all the way down to the very end of the post to see how she looked when I originally bought her at the estate sale. Someone badly painted a bright red bikini on her, --they even painted her lips and nails! It took most of the day, and the help of two other sweet chums o'mine to help get it all off with rubbing alcohol, but it was worth the trouble for sure. Thanks again to Brad, Russ, and Cindy for the awesome assists! (*All photos by Mr. Karswell.)

The Modern Girl Cooks With Gas

And then depending on what delicious dish she prepares from the amazing selection of recipes included in this vintage 60's booklet (see Bean Dip Ole below!) --she might also produce some gas of her own! In any event, it's all a fun little, 6-page, freebie reminder about the benefits of using natural gas. The kitschy cool party and BBQ artwork, not to mention the rad hand lettering throughout, is equally the icing on your lip-smackin' luncheon kabob kookery! (Please keep those orange glazed carrots as far away from me as possible though-- ugh!) Also, some of you long-time followers of this blog may remember the fiery lil Penny Flame mascot from a previous AEET 2012 post when she was depicted as an indian princess-- HERE!

Fantastic Feature Films: Dance of Death

If you just waltzed over today and are now wondering exactly what you're looking at below, click back to the Maskless Axeman post at THOIA HERE to get all the info! Yep, this is another great June Tarpé Mills illustrated entry in the silver screamy, "Fantastic Feature Films" series, --this one from the April 1940 issue of Target Comics V1#3. Highlighted by a risky assassination plot that turns into a Sally Rand-esque super burlesque, balloon dance of risqué death (whew, what a mouthful!), and for my money, this is one of the better FFF entries in the entire run. Enjoy! I'll be posting a few more of these throughout the month of May as well, so stay tuned to THOIA for those... COMING SOON!