In this book Carlos Clarens, author of Crime Movies (also available from Da Capo/Perseus), George Cukor, and many articles in film magazines, brings his encyclopaedic knowledge of films and filmmakers to the subject of horror and science-fiction films of the classic era.

Whether discussing the erotic aspects of King Kong, examining the works of Val Lewton, contrasting the director's attitude toward the monster in Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein , accounting for the special genius of Lon Chaney, or comparing the various versions of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde, Clarens entertains as he enlightens.

Supplemented with a new introduction by J. Hoberman, Village Voice film critic and coauthor of Midnight Movies (also available from Da Capo/Perseus), and an extensive filmography listing complete credits for over 300 films, this fascinating study illuminates both the genre and the reasons for its popularity.