Roger Corman, the pioneering independent film producer who helped launch the careers of numerous filmmaking greats and was hailed as “The King of Cult,” died on May 9 at his home in Santa Monica. He was 98.
His daughter Catherine Corman confirmed his death in a statement to the Associated Press. “He was generous, open-hearted and kind to all those who knew him,” the statement said. “When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said, ‘I was a filmmaker, just that.’”
Corman began his filmmaking career in the 1950s, crafting a slew of low-budget features that ranged from “The Fast and the Furious” to “Swamp Women” to “Attack of the Crab Monsters.”
In 1959, Corman got into distribution with the launch of The Filmgroup, then in the 1960s tackled a number of Edgar Allen Poe adaptations including 1960’s “House of Usher.”
Throughout his career, Corman directed 55 films and produced 385, spanning from 1954 to 2008. In that time,...
His daughter Catherine Corman confirmed his death in a statement to the Associated Press. “He was generous, open-hearted and kind to all those who knew him,” the statement said. “When asked how he would like to be remembered, he said, ‘I was a filmmaker, just that.’”
Corman began his filmmaking career in the 1950s, crafting a slew of low-budget features that ranged from “The Fast and the Furious” to “Swamp Women” to “Attack of the Crab Monsters.”
In 1959, Corman got into distribution with the launch of The Filmgroup, then in the 1960s tackled a number of Edgar Allen Poe adaptations including 1960’s “House of Usher.”
Throughout his career, Corman directed 55 films and produced 385, spanning from 1954 to 2008. In that time,...
- 5/12/2024
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Before we say goodbye to the month of May, we have one final day of Blu-ray and DVD releases ahead of us, and it’s an eclectic bunch of titles, to say the least. If you missed them in theaters earlier this year, Gaspar Noé’s Climax as well as Neil Jordan’s Greta hit both formats this Tuesday, and for you David Lynch lovers out there, Criterion is showing Blue Velvet some much-deserved love with their brand-new release of the cult classic as well.
Scream Factory is doing the dark lord’s work with their new Blus for both When A Stranger Calls Back and The Alligator People, and Severin Films is bringing home The Uncanny in HD for the first time ever this week.
Other home media releases for May 28th include Double Impact, Near Extinction, Splatter Farm, and a Shark Attack 3-Pack.
The Alligator People
Terror in the Bayou!
Scream Factory is doing the dark lord’s work with their new Blus for both When A Stranger Calls Back and The Alligator People, and Severin Films is bringing home The Uncanny in HD for the first time ever this week.
Other home media releases for May 28th include Double Impact, Near Extinction, Splatter Farm, and a Shark Attack 3-Pack.
The Alligator People
Terror in the Bayou!
- 5/27/2019
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
With the release of Death Race 2050, a remake of his cult classic, the veteran director talks about the film’s political undertones – and how he became the king of trash
To be considered a genius, you need only one great idea. For Moses, it was parting the Red Sea, then closing it with Pharaoh’s army still inside. Bach had counterpoint. And Lady Godiva did that thing with the horse.
Six decades ago, Roger Corman got a really great idea. Realising that young people were being ignored by Hollywood, he began making tons of super-low-budget films about vampires, monsters, mutants, ghosts and moody bikers. The films had names such as Swamp Women, She Gods of Shark Reef, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Fast and the Furious. This was preferable to films with names such as That Touch of Mink and Father Goose.
Continue reading...
To be considered a genius, you need only one great idea. For Moses, it was parting the Red Sea, then closing it with Pharaoh’s army still inside. Bach had counterpoint. And Lady Godiva did that thing with the horse.
Six decades ago, Roger Corman got a really great idea. Realising that young people were being ignored by Hollywood, he began making tons of super-low-budget films about vampires, monsters, mutants, ghosts and moody bikers. The films had names such as Swamp Women, She Gods of Shark Reef, The Pit and the Pendulum, The Fast and the Furious. This was preferable to films with names such as That Touch of Mink and Father Goose.
Continue reading...
- 3/16/2017
- by Joe Queenan
- The Guardian - Film News
Most horror freaks are very familiar with Roger Corman often because of the goofy horror movies from the family video stores in the olden days of Bmovies. Younger fans might know Coreman as the producer of the original Piranha that later became a couple of successful remakes or perhaps from his successful cult films The Little Shop of Horrors (1960) Swamp Women (1965) or his many Edgar Allan Poe adaptations including The Pit and the Pendulum (1961) The Raven (1963) The Haunted Palace (1963)and a host of others most of which starred the iconic horror figure Vincent Price.
- 11/9/2013
- Best-Horror-Movies.com
Though rumors had been running for awhile now that Colin Firth would be stepping into the role of Roger Corman for Joe Dante‘s biopic The Man With the Kaleidoscope Eyes, Corman decided to casually mention in a profile with the Telegraph that Quentin Tarantino would be portraying him instead. Like that’s not news that would rock our worlds or anything. The mention of Tarantino is just a blip in the interview that also reveals that Corman will have a cameo in the film that chronicles the making of The Trip, his 1960′s film starring Jack Nicholson about LSD. Corman’s cameo, hilariously, will be the studio executive who didn’t want him to make the film. As “The King of the Bs,” Corman has had insurmountable influence on countless filmmakers and actors who worshiped his lo-fi masterpieces like The Little Shop of Horrors, Swamp Women, and Attack of the Crab Monsters. Tarantino...
- 9/20/2013
- by Samantha Wilson
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
A tradition at the Provincetown International Film Festival finds summer P-Town resident John Waters interviewing the festival's annual winner of the "Filmmaker on the Edge Award" on stage. This year's winner was legendary producer and director Roger Corman (the original "Little Shop of Horrors," "The Raven," "Swamp Women"), and Waters enthusiastically feted him to a packed audience at Provincetown Town Hall (including Parker Posey and Kirby Dick, who also recieved awards at the event). "He gave Jack Nicholson, Peter Bogdanovich, Ron Howard, Francis Ford Coppola, Jonathan Demme and Scorsese their first chance," Waters said as he introduced the interview. "He is, in my opinion, well beyond being a filmmaker on the edge. He created a whole new cliff, dove off and climbed back up many, many times. He's one of my all time heros." Check out some highlights from their subsequent talk below. 1. Corman...
- 6/19/2012
- by Peter Knegt
- Indiewire
For this writer, if I ever wanted to be alive during another era of filmmaking, my first choice would most definitely be the 1960s. During that time, some of the most fascinating genre work was being created from the likes of Alfred Hitchcock, Herschell Gordon Lewis, the Hammer House of Horror, George A. Romero, and of course legendary writer/director/producer Roger Corman.
Before the 60s, Corman established himself as an independent maverick of film with his work on films like Swamp Women, The Wasp Woman and A Bucket of Blood , but it’s safe to say that it wasn’t until the director and producer began collaborating with Vincent Price that his directorial work in the horror genre was elevated to an entirely new level.
In honor of Price’s upcoming 100th birthday (he was born May 27, 1911), Dread Central recently had the opportunity to speak with Corman about his...
Before the 60s, Corman established himself as an independent maverick of film with his work on films like Swamp Women, The Wasp Woman and A Bucket of Blood , but it’s safe to say that it wasn’t until the director and producer began collaborating with Vincent Price that his directorial work in the horror genre was elevated to an entirely new level.
In honor of Price’s upcoming 100th birthday (he was born May 27, 1911), Dread Central recently had the opportunity to speak with Corman about his...
- 5/23/2011
- by thehorrorchick
- DreadCentral.com
For many fans, independent horror filmmaking seems like a relatively new concept. So you may be surprised to find out the maverick spirit that fuels our beloved genre has been burning for almost 100 years now, since the 1912 version of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde was produced by the independently-run production house Thanhouser Company.
Since then, we’ve enjoyed countless films that bucked the studio system tradition and gave us bold, refreshing explorations of some of our greatest fears and introduced us to some pioneers in the entertainment industry. In honor of these achievements, we here at Dread Central are taking the entire month of March to celebrate all things indie horror.
To kick things off, over the next five days we’d like to take you on a historical journey through the last 100 years of indie horror by taking a look at 25 milestones that helped define the horror genre and, in many cases,...
Since then, we’ve enjoyed countless films that bucked the studio system tradition and gave us bold, refreshing explorations of some of our greatest fears and introduced us to some pioneers in the entertainment industry. In honor of these achievements, we here at Dread Central are taking the entire month of March to celebrate all things indie horror.
To kick things off, over the next five days we’d like to take you on a historical journey through the last 100 years of indie horror by taking a look at 25 milestones that helped define the horror genre and, in many cases,...
- 3/7/2011
- by thehorrorchick
- DreadCentral.com
While other releases in the Shout! Factory’s Roger Corman’s Cult Classics focus on his producing credits, the recent Sci-Fi Classics showcases three of his early directorial works. Oh, he also produced all three, worked with the writers on the scripts and even pitched the projects to investors. Like many directors today, when you call something a "Corman film", it’s because he’s influenced the project from the start.
First up is Attack of the Crab Monsters, which manages to be quite effective despite its ludicrous premise. A group of scientists arrive on a remote Pacific island to study the effects of fallout from recent nuclear testing in the Pacific. They also want to discover what happened to the first team, which disappeared without a trace.
It’s not long before mysterious things start to happen. A sailor is pulled out of the water without his head, the...
First up is Attack of the Crab Monsters, which manages to be quite effective despite its ludicrous premise. A group of scientists arrive on a remote Pacific island to study the effects of fallout from recent nuclear testing in the Pacific. They also want to discover what happened to the first team, which disappeared without a trace.
It’s not long before mysterious things start to happen. A sailor is pulled out of the water without his head, the...
- 1/31/2011
- by Chris McMillan
- Planet Fury
Even if you aren't aware of it, chances are you've seen a Roger Corman movie... and you've definitely seen a movie that was influenced by him. The so-called "King of the B-Movies" is renowned for making low-budget flicks with lightning-quick speed -- he cranked out 1960's "The Little Shop of Horrors" in a mere two days! -- and generous helpings of schlocky special effects, crazy monsters, gratuitous nudity and less-than-Oscar-worthy acting. And yet he can count among his proteges directors such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Ron Howard and James Cameron.
Director Alex Stapleton's new documentary, titled "Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel," hits the Sundance Film Festival this week, tracing Corman's legendary filmmaking career from his 1955 directorial debut "Swamp Women" to his most recent effort as producer, 2010's "Dinoshark" (which is just as awesome as it sounds). Above, check out an exclusive clip from the documentary...
Director Alex Stapleton's new documentary, titled "Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel," hits the Sundance Film Festival this week, tracing Corman's legendary filmmaking career from his 1955 directorial debut "Swamp Women" to his most recent effort as producer, 2010's "Dinoshark" (which is just as awesome as it sounds). Above, check out an exclusive clip from the documentary...
- 1/20/2011
- by Tom DiChiara
- MTV Movies Blog
This week's roundup of DVD releases include fan favorites from TV, a scarred comic book antihero, the next installment of The Lost Boys, the requisite creature features, a Roger Corman set, and SyFy's apocalyptic view of the world. Also, don't forget to check out the soundtrack from the hottest vampire TV show right now (well, there's only one playing currently) at the very end of this list.
While waiting for your orders to arrive by mail, you can always catch up on Camera Obscura for free with our Episode 1-7 episodes & recap or watch the newest episodes on Dailymotion. You can also learn all about creature making from our Q&A With Camera Obscura's FX Maestro Jeff Farley.
On with the list....
Jonah Hex
Directed by Jimmy Hayward
Out of the pages of the legendary comics and graphic novels steps Jonah Hex (review), a scarred drifter and bounty hunter...
While waiting for your orders to arrive by mail, you can always catch up on Camera Obscura for free with our Episode 1-7 episodes & recap or watch the newest episodes on Dailymotion. You can also learn all about creature making from our Q&A With Camera Obscura's FX Maestro Jeff Farley.
On with the list....
Jonah Hex
Directed by Jimmy Hayward
Out of the pages of the legendary comics and graphic novels steps Jonah Hex (review), a scarred drifter and bounty hunter...
- 10/12/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Even Roger Corman admits that his name was unlikely to be associated with an Academy Award. Yet the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided to give Corman an honorary lifetime achievement Oscar, nonetheless. Corman told The Associated Press that he was surprised by the announcement.
I predicted that I would not win because I make low-budget films, and I felt the Academy would not give an award to someone who made low-budget films. I was truly surprised when I got the call.
Corman began his career producing and directing low-budget fare like 1955's Swamp Women and Monsters from the Ocean Floor, Corman quickly found that what he did best was provide opportunities to young director and actors like Martin Scorsese (1972's Boxcar Bertha), Jack Nicholson (1960's Little Shop of Horrors), Robert De Niro (1970's Bloody Mama), Francis Ford Coppola (Dementia 13), and Ron Howard (1977's Grand Theft Auto...
I predicted that I would not win because I make low-budget films, and I felt the Academy would not give an award to someone who made low-budget films. I was truly surprised when I got the call.
Corman began his career producing and directing low-budget fare like 1955's Swamp Women and Monsters from the Ocean Floor, Corman quickly found that what he did best was provide opportunities to young director and actors like Martin Scorsese (1972's Boxcar Bertha), Jack Nicholson (1960's Little Shop of Horrors), Robert De Niro (1970's Bloody Mama), Francis Ford Coppola (Dementia 13), and Ron Howard (1977's Grand Theft Auto...
- 11/14/2009
- by Ryan Gowland
- Reelzchannel.com
When I read the news the other day that Roger Corman was selected to receive an Honorary Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, I was kind of surprised. Not because I couldn't believe Roger Corman would be given an Honorary Academy Award but because I'd have sworn they'd already done so years ago. Apparently not. Talk about an honor long overdue.
Roger Corman began his directing career with 1955's Swamp Women and last sat in the director's chair for 1990's Frankenstein Unbound, but he still remains active as a producer, such as his forthcoming Syfy production DinoShark. As one of his assistants once told me, "He'll be making movies until the day he dies."
If any of you are wondering why they would bestow an Oscar, Honorary or otherwise, upon a man whose cinematic canon includes the likes of It Conquered the World and The Saga of the Viking Women and Their Voyage to the Waters of the Great Sea Serpent...
Roger Corman began his directing career with 1955's Swamp Women and last sat in the director's chair for 1990's Frankenstein Unbound, but he still remains active as a producer, such as his forthcoming Syfy production DinoShark. As one of his assistants once told me, "He'll be making movies until the day he dies."
If any of you are wondering why they would bestow an Oscar, Honorary or otherwise, upon a man whose cinematic canon includes the likes of It Conquered the World and The Saga of the Viking Women and Their Voyage to the Waters of the Great Sea Serpent...
- 9/13/2009
- by Foywonder
- DreadCentral.com
B-movie star Beverly Garland has died after a lengthy battle with ill health.
The actress, who starred in 1950s cult Roger Corman hits including Swamp Women and Not Of This Earth, passed away at her Hollywood Hills home on Friday. She was 82.
Garland's acting career spanned more than 50 years and featured roles in more than 40 films. She gained popularity playing feisty females in low-budget movies before finding success as a sitcom actress.
She first played Bing Crosby's wife in The Bing Crosby Show during the mid-1960s and went on to land a regular role in hit series My Three Sons, opposite Fred MacMurray.
She also made her mark in the 1980s and 1990s playing a series of mums in hit shows - she played Stephanie Zimbalist's mother in Remington Steele, Kate Jackson's in Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Teri Hatcher's in Lois + Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.
She was also a regular in U.S. soap opera Port Charles.
Born Beverly Fessenden in Santa Cruz, California in 1926, Garland also founded and ran Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn hotel in North Hollywood.
The actress, who starred in 1950s cult Roger Corman hits including Swamp Women and Not Of This Earth, passed away at her Hollywood Hills home on Friday. She was 82.
Garland's acting career spanned more than 50 years and featured roles in more than 40 films. She gained popularity playing feisty females in low-budget movies before finding success as a sitcom actress.
She first played Bing Crosby's wife in The Bing Crosby Show during the mid-1960s and went on to land a regular role in hit series My Three Sons, opposite Fred MacMurray.
She also made her mark in the 1980s and 1990s playing a series of mums in hit shows - she played Stephanie Zimbalist's mother in Remington Steele, Kate Jackson's in Scarecrow and Mrs. King and Teri Hatcher's in Lois + Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.
She was also a regular in U.S. soap opera Port Charles.
Born Beverly Fessenden in Santa Cruz, California in 1926, Garland also founded and ran Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn hotel in North Hollywood.
- 12/8/2008
- WENN
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