Monster Study Group
By Mark Matzke
Monster Study GroupMay 04, 2023
00:00
35:45
Invasion on Chestnut Ridge/The Legend of SasWhat
Small Town Monsters’ “Invasion on Chestnut Ridge” comes to YouTube May 3rd for Squad members and May 7th for everyone else. This episode takes you behind the scenes of Invasion’s production, and explores the history of STM’s audio podcasts, SasWhat and Monsteropolis.
May 04, 202335:45
EXTRA CREDIT: Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein
Jeepers! The Creepers are after Bud & Lou! In this concise entry, I share an article I wrote for Nostalgia Digest (Autumn 2015) about one of my favorite films.
Apr 28, 202314:01
The Peninsula Python
The true story of Peninsula, Ohio’s python outbreak in summer of 1944 is the stuff of legend in the greater Cleveland area. In this episode, you’ll hear a presentation about the Peninsula Python that I gave at 2019’s International Cryptozoology Conference, and you can draw your own conclusions about Cleveland Press writer Robert Bordner’s “beautiful stories.” To learn more about Peninsula’s fascinating history, please visit www.peninsulalibrary.org
Apr 21, 202331:13
Ohio’s Out-Of-Place Animals/Bigfoot Bibliography
Lions, tigers, and kangaroos. And Bigfoot. All in the Buckeye State. It’s all here, plus information on Monster Fest, coming to Canton, Ohio June 3rd, 2023, plus my list of 21 books about Bigfoot and The Unexplained that You Must Read! Find Monster Study Group on Instagram and get all the updates!
Apr 14, 202339:21
EXTRA CREDIT: The First Fifty Years of Godzilla
Once upon a time, I wrote a half-hour summary of every Godzilla movie from 1954-2004 to present at G-FEST. This is that presentation, recorded for your enjoyment! You can support Monster Study Group by visiting www.g-fan.com and checking out G-FEST news, subscription info, back issues, and more. Thanks for listening!
Apr 07, 202338:22
Godzilla’s Classmate, Akira Takarada
New Godzilla and Gamera on the way; remembering Return of Ultraman’s Jiro Dan; my review of Mike Bogue’s “Atomic Drive-in;” exciting G-FAN updates and a full-length Akira Takarada interview! Please support our resource partner, G-FAN magazine, by visiting www.g-fan.com & find Monster Study Group on Instagram. Thanks for listening!
Mar 31, 202301:04:41
Boggy Creek Studies/We Found Finding Bigfoot
Mark raids the archives of Monsterland Ohio for two articles: a reaction to the film “The Legend of Boggy Creek” and a recounting of an encounter with the cast and crew of Finding Bigfoot. Please your term papers and questions to mark_matzke@yahoo.com or find us on Instagram @monster_study_group
Mar 24, 202330:46
Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932)
Produced in the shadow of Frankenstein, this movie contains one of Bela Lugosi’s most striking performances. For reference, we highlight “Angels and Ministers of Grace Defend Us!” by Greg Mank, “It’s Alive” by Julian David Stone, and The Lost Films Fanzine. Plus, G-FEST, Monster Kid Radio, and Monster Fest news! Find us on Instagram at monster_study_group
Mar 17, 202325:22
Our First G-FEST (2009)
Join Mark as he raids the Monsterland Ohio archives for information about his first G-FEST with his family.
Mar 10, 202344:04
Totally 80’s Godzilla
Join Mark for a tubular review of Godzilla 1985 and Allen Debus’ new book, “Kong, Godzilla, and the Living Earth.” Plus, there’s exciting G-FEST news! On Instagram? Check out @monster_study_group
Mar 03, 202356:12
New Discoveries in Bigfoot Media
Monster Study Group returns with reviews of the new book “Sasquatch Discovered: The Biography of Dr. John Bindernagel” by Terrance N. James and the 4K BluRay release of “Creature from Black Lake.” There’s also a secret extra credit session that rounds out the episode. Find Monster Study Group on Instagram and catch my Beta Capsule Review each week on Monster Kid Radio, wherever you listen to podcasts!
Feb 24, 202343:52
Scary Stories for a Spooky Yule
Continuing the tradition established by the Monsteropolis podcast, I offer you two chilling short stories: “The Horror Horn” by E. F. Benson and “Just Before Dawn” by Eugene Johnson. You can find me on IG at monster_study_group
Dec 20, 202201:02:24
Dracula’s Daughter
This is the final installment of our “Son of…Summer,” and we’re flipping the script with a look at “Dracula’s Daughter,” a Universal Studios production from 1936. Keep an eye on Monster Study Group’s Instagram for news about Season Three, as well as weekly updates regarding Monster Kid Radio. Thanks for listening this summer!
Aug 28, 202124:49
Son of Godzilla
The “Son of…Summer” marches on with a retrospective look at 1967’s “Son of Godzilla.” As you, the listener, might expect, our access to the G-FAN Vault will provide invaluable resources for our examination of this tropical tale. Book your ticket to Sollgel Island and listen today! Those of an arachnophobic bent may want to exercise caution, however…
Aug 14, 202101:20:58
Son of Dracula
We are in the thick of MSG’s “Son of Summer,” and this time we head down to the bayou for 1943’s “Son of Dracula,” an extremely interesting blend of horror, film noir, and Southern Gothic. The film stars Lon Chaney, Jr. as Count Alucard, Louise Allbritton as Katherine Caldwell and Robert Paige, who steals the show as Frank Stanley, who loses his fiancée to the Count…or does he? Before that, I talk about Godzilla and Ultraman Trigger, the latest series from Tsuburaya Productions, being released in serial form on YouTube. Monster Study is easy to find on Instagram and Twitter, and I would gratefully accept your correspondence at monsterstudygroup@outlook.com ALSO you can hear me almost every week on Monsteropolis: the official podcast of Small Town Monsters and Monster Kid Radio, where I conduct Beta Capsule Reviews of Ultraman series. Thanks for listening!
Jul 31, 202130:15
Son of Ingagi
Monster Study Group’s “Son of…Summer” is in full swing with this mini-sode, the first ‘mystery movie’ of Season Two. It’s “Son of Ingagi,” a thriller from 1940 featuring an all-black cast led by Spencer Williams (TV’s Andy Brown in “Amos & Andy), who also wrote the screenplay. I’ll give you my thoughts on the film and its relationship to 1930’s exploitation blockbuster “Ingagi,” as well as the latest Ultraman and Small Town Monsters news. Follow monster_study_group on IG for the latest info, and thanks for listening!
Jul 17, 202119:29
Son of Frankenstein
The “Son of…Summer” continues with my look at 1939’s “Son of Frankenstein,” an underrated entry in Universal’s Monster canon. From a screenplay written on the fly, Rowland Lee and the incredible talent of Basil Rathbone, Lionel Atwill, Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff made movie magic in this classic that deserves another look. In this episode, I also update my plans for Monster Bash and talk about my partnerships with Monster Kid Radio and Small Town Monsters—basically, all the monsters! Follow Monster Study Group on Instagram & Twitter & write me at monsterstudygroup@outlook.com
Jul 03, 202153:19
Son of Kong and the Legacy of Willis O’Brien
Monster Study Group has returned for a second season! Episode One of the “Son of…Summer” is “Son of Kong and the Legacy of Willis O’Brien.” Faced with the prospect of creating a sequel for King Kong, the production team did an intriguing thing…they went small. And the man that brought Kong (and Kong Junior) to life, Willis O’Brien, lived a life of tragedy and triumph. You’ll hear his story from a rare source. Mark also has a few things to say about a recent trip to the Pacific Northwest and the release of Godzilla vs. Kong. If you’re enjoying Monster Study Group, check out Mark on Monsteropolis, the official podcast of Small Town Monsters, and Monster Kid Radio, hosted by Derek M. Koch, the Rondo-Award-winning podcast devoted to classic (and sometimes not so classic) genre cinema. Follow Monster Study Group on Instagram and Twitter and feel free to send your email to monsterstudygroup@outlook.com
Jun 19, 202101:10:40
SEASON TWO REVEAL
It’s the “Son of...Summer!” Monster Study Group is back beginning June 19.
Jun 05, 202102:33
Ep. 12: Halloween Movie Marathon feat. Andy Matzke
It’s a Monsterland Ohio Radio/SasWhat reunion, as I welcome my son Andy to MSG for a discussion of Halloween horror movies and the fun of spending the 31st of October in front of the TV. Thanks for listening to all of Season One!
Oct 24, 202044:06
Ep. 11: Giant Humanoids Attack! Frankenstein & the Gargantuas
Season One of Monster Study Group, “Titans of Japan,” comes to a dramatic close with episode ten, devoted to “Frankenstein Conquers the World” and “War of the Gargantuas,” two of Toho’s most audacious monster movies. As always, full credit goes to G-FAN magazine, the official publication of the Godzilla Society of North America. Visit g-fan.com to learn more. This is the last episode to post before October 24th, when I return with a special guest to run down Halloween movie marathon choices as a spooky postscript to MSG’s inaugural season. I will continue to contribute to both Monsteropolis and Monster Kid Radio, so feel free to check out those podcasts as well! Monster Study Group will continue to maintain a presence on Instagram and Twitter, so you can follow if you like. And last but not least, please drop a rating and review wherever you listen! Thanks!
Oct 10, 202001:16:41
Ep. 10: Triple Crown: Ghidorah
Episode Ten offers an in-depth look at “Ghidrah, the Three-Headed Monster,” as well as an overview and filmography of the character. That is preceded by a brief rundown of Mill Creek Entertainment’s Ultraman releases. Ep. 10 draws on articles from G-FAN magazine; visit g-fan.com for more information. Monster Study Group is on Twitter & Instagram. Be the first to send a message to monsterstudygroup@outlook.com and please take a moment to rate and review the show on your podcatcher of choice. Thanks for listening!
Oct 03, 202001:23:42
Ep. 9: Mothra’s Day
Mothra changed the game in 1961, nudging Toho’s monster movies in the direction of fantasy and fun. With 16 films under her wings, second only to Godzilla himself, her place in monster movie history is firmly established. This episode provides an overview of the kaiju queen, looking back at the original 1961 epic, going behind the scenes of its making and summarizing the original story treatment. It also features an abbreviated version of an interview with Kyoko Kagawa, who starred in “Mothra” and a number of other significant Japanese films by directors such as Kurosawa and Ozu. Special thanks to J.D. Lees for giving MSG access to the files of G-FAN. Please check out g-fan.com for more information, back issues, subscriptions, fan fiction, and recaps of G-FEST and G-TOURs past. You can find and follow Monster Study Group on Instagram and Twitter, and your written correspondence can be sent to monsterstudygroup@outlook.com
Sep 26, 202001:01:47
EXTRA CREDIT: Rodan Anatomy
In Episode 8, I didn’t get a chance to talk about Rodan’s ‘career,’ especially his star turn in 2019’s “Godzilla King of the Monsters.” So here’s a quick extra credit session to cover those bases. Enjoy! And please check out g-fan.com for more kaiju coverage.
Sep 23, 202014:03
Ep. 8: Giant Monster of the Sky
Episode 8 of Monster Study Group is devoted to Rodan! (In the original Japanese title, the creature named is Radon, as in PteRAnaDON. Get it?) While the flying monster(s) is often assigned second-fiddle status, its 1956 film is extremely important. Not only was it the first ‘kaiju eiga’ to be filmed in color, but it was also the first to be shown in North America with an all-Japanese cast (dubbed, of course) with no patched-in Caucasian actors, arriving in U.S. and Canadian theaters just one year after “Godzilla, King of the Monsters.” For Rodan study purposes, we will examine the work of Peter Brothers from G-FAN magazine # 56. Please check out MSG on Instagram and Twitter, and send your messages to monsterstudygroup@outlook.com. Listen for my Beta Capsule Reviews on @monsterkidradio and my conversations with Seth Breedlove on Monsteropolis, the official podcast of Small Town Monsters. Special Thanks to J.D. Lees of @GFEST_GFAN for permission to use articles from past issues. Visit g-fan.com for subscriptions, back issues, and information about G-FEST, G-TOURs to Japan, fan fiction, and more!
Sep 19, 202001:17:44
Ep. 7: Kong at Toho
It’s hard to overstate the influence of 1933’s “King Kong.” But this episode isn’t about that film. It’s about the two movies produced by Toho Studios that imported and featured the great ape: “King Kong vs. Godzilla” and “King Kong Escapes.” These are some of the most freewheeling giant monster movies you’ll ever lay eyes on; that may begin to explain their continuing influence. Episode 7 features writing by Mike Bogue and J.D. Lees. Make sure to check out Bogue’s book “Apocalypse Then” published by McFarland as well as G-FAN magazine, published by Daikaiju Enterprises, Ltd. g-fan.com Monster Study group maintains social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter. Also, you can hear me on the podcasts Monsteropolis and Monster Kid Radio. Please send your letters, reports, and pop quizzes to monsterstudygroup@outlook.com
Sep 12, 202001:02:10
Ep. 6: Gamera Is Really Neat
Episode Six is all about Showa Era Gamera! All the Gamera films are reviewed, from 1965 to 1980. The relationship between Gamera and Mystery Science Theater 3000 is discussed. Then, thanks to G-FAN magazine, we hear from Showa Gamera director Noriaki Yuasa. Please visit g-fan.com and look for Monster Study Group on Twitter and Instagram. Write me at monsterstudygroup@outlook.com You can hear Mark on Monsteropolis, the official podcast of Small Town Monsters, and Monster Kid Radio; visit monsterkidradio.net for more.
Sep 05, 202057:24
EXTRA CREDIT: Kayama’s Godzilla
In this Extra Credit Episode, we follow up on Ep. 5 with a summary presentation of writer Shigeru Kayama’s original Godzilla story, which was adapted as a screenplay by Takeo Murata and Ishiro Honda. The text first appeared in G-FAN #12. Please visit g-fan.com for more information about the Godzilla Society of North America! And, look for Monster Study Group on Twitter and Instagram.
Sep 02, 202028:07
Ep. 5: Godzilla Number One
Episode Five takes an in-depth look at the elements that make the original 1954 “Godzilla” so unique, specific, and influential. At the top of the show, I talk about things going on in my connection with Small Town Monsters, including the publication of a book, “Making Monsters.” I also tease a collaboration in the works with the awesome podcast “Monster Kid Radio.” Then, it’s onto Godzilla, a film whose cultural impact is hard to calculate, yet undeniably felt to this present day. Turning to the G-FAN Reading Room, we hear the article “The Making of Godzilla” from Issue # 12, written by Ed Godziszewski. Special thanks to J.D. Lees at G-FAN for permission to use articles for Monster Study Group purposes. Please visit g-fan.com for info regarding subscriptions, G-FEST admissions, and much more. Find MSG on social media! Twitter: @MonsterStudy Instagram: monster_study_group email: monsterstudygroup@outlook.com
Aug 29, 202056:05
Ep. 4: Beastman Snowman
This Special Edition of Monster Study Group is a presentation of the article “Abominable Snowman: Honda’s Hidden Gem” by Peter H. Brothers. It was published in G-FAN magazine issue # 69. To learn more about G-FAN please visit g-fan.com. Feel free to send your correspondence to monsterstudygroup@outlook.com and look for us on Twitter & Instagram.
Aug 22, 202001:29:43
EXTRA CREDIT: Making Smog
This is Monster Study Group’s first ‘Extra Credit’ episode. It is the transcript of an interview with Yoshimitsu Banno, director of “Godzilla vs. Hedorah/the Smog Monster,” published in G-FAN # 73 as “The Man Who Made Godzilla Fly.” For more exclusive interviews and behind-the scenes information, please visit g-fan.com today! Check out Monster Study Group on Twitter: @MonsterStudy Instagram: monster_study_group email: monsterstudygroup@outlook.com Thanks for listening! #StudyUp #KeepStudyingMonsters
Aug 19, 202029:18
Ep. 3: How Japan Shaped Cryptozoology
Japanese monster movies and cryptozoology are inextricably linked. Allow me to explain...This episode takes a look at Loren Coleman’s book “Bigfoot! The True Story of Apes in America.” Then we look back at a film from 1958 called “Half Human” and it’s Japanese antecedent “Beastman Snowman” (1955). What’s the connection? Listen in and find out—and find us on Twitter & Instagram and write us at monsterstudygroup@outlook.com & please visit g-fan.com for all things Godzilla!
Aug 15, 202028:54
Ep. 2: Toho Champion Festival
It’s Monster Study Group’s first ‘normal’ session! The topic is Toho’s Champion Festival, a film festival for children that ran from 1969 to 1978. Understanding the Champion Festival helps give context to the Godzilla films of the 1970s. You’ll hear about two books, “Ultraman Testimony” and “Pure Invention;” the first episode of “Return of Ultraman;” 1971’s “Godzilla vs. Hedorah/the Smog Monster;” and the feature article “Godzilla Gets a Trim: The Toho Champion Festivals,” from G-FAN #122. Please visit g-fan.com for more information. Find Monster Study Group on social media! On Twitter: @MonsterStudy and Instagram: monster_study_group & we also welcome correspondence at monsterstudygroup@outlook.com. Please let us know if your letter can be included in a future episode. Thanks for listening, and keep studying monsters!
Aug 08, 202049:55
Episode One: Why Monsters? Why Now?
On this introductory episode, Mark talks about the experiences that formed him into a Monster Kid, Monster Dad, and Monster Scribe and Podcaster. He also talks about why this seems to be the right time to launch a new show devoted to Giant Monsters, Japanese Superheroes, and Cryptozoological Creatures. You’ll also hear his ideas about the format of future episodes of Monster Study Group. Please leave MSC a rating and review wherever you listen, and feel free to contact the show at monsterstudygroup@outlook.com. Twitter: @MonsterStudy Instagram: monster_study_group Thanks for listening!
Aug 01, 202042:50