Blood and Bone China, Overview and Chapter 1 Review

A web series is a wonderful thing. Short, captivating installments of a show, made on the cheap but by very talented and dedicated people, they can gain huge cult followings. It seems, however, that one such series managed to slip under my radar. Yet, through the glories of Twitter, I was able to fall into the sordid world of 'Blood and Bone China'.

It certainly ticks all but one of the boxes of a typical web-series. The episodes are short and captivating, and those on and behind the camera are tremendously dedicated to bringing forth a hugely entertaining succession of installments. But somehow, it doesn't seem cheap. The sets are lavish, the fake blood (which so many big budget horrors get wrong) is very realistic, and it has special effects that wouldn't be out of place on a mainstream sci-fi show. 'Blood and Bone China', within the first ten minutes, slapped me around the face and told me to pay attention. This is not a show to be missed!

So, what's it about? Good question, and one of the big factors of this show is that you don't really know, to begin with. Like a novel (of which more in a moment), the plot unfolds slowly, but maintains your interest with intriguing events and some wonderfully perverse characters. I shall give a bit of detail, plotwise, on each of the episodes, or 'Chapters', but not much. If you want to know what happens, watch them!

       As for the setting, 'Blood and Bone China' is Victorian England, 1897, right out of a Hammer Horror film, with all the 'behind-closed-doors naughtiness' and mystery that that entails. The setting, and overall plot, is also clearly influenced by the Gothic Horrors that were written during the time this show is set. Indeed, with its' carefully crafted storyline, and deep and sordid characters, not to mention the fact that the installments are labelled as 'Chapters' rather than 'Episodes', 'Blood and Bone China' itself feels like a Gothic novel, or one of the episodic Penny Dreadfuls of the day. Just a bit more modern in its' execution!

CHAPTER 1 - 'Oblivion and Paradise'

Chapter 1 begins the story, by revealing that a Dr. Richard Howell has made some sort of disturbing discovery, that could also prove dangerous. During an attempt to deliever a package, he is attacked by a Vampire, and the story begins....

The lively opening sequence kicks things off nicely - a pacy, slap-in-the-face affair with a catchy punk theme tune (courtesy of the band Birthrite), and teasing glimpses of some of the friends and freaks we'll be meeting on this journey. It works well, and once you've seen it, it's impossible to NOT watch the rest!

Once the Chapter starts proper, we're given some lovely glimpses of Stoke-On-Trent, and the inside of Dr. Howell's study/lab. The attention to detail here is excellent, all skeletons and bizarre drawings, not to mention the token lit candle that every self-respecting Gothic horror should feature at some point. Accompanied by a haunting choir score, this is the first example of everything falling into place very quickly.

Another thing that falls into place very quickly is the acting. Simon Hooson, as Dr. Richard Howell, brings forth the characters determination and torment with carefully observed skill. He purveys the haunted nature of the man very well, and with complete conviction. 

       By contrast, Richard's relative, the vet Newlyn Howell, is awkward and rather absent-minded. Seeing him at work, falling over and generally letting things get on top of him, the audience is instantly on his side. Anthony Miles channels his inner-Peter Davison here, but adds a charm and eagerness all of his own.

        Then there is the sumptuous Lara De-Leuw as Lady Victoria, a truly wicked she-Vampire, and servant of a mysterious figure known as Linus Hemlock. Miss De-Leuw plays Lady Victoria as an utterly vicious, totally evil monster, and she nails it. She evidently relishes the role of villain, and makes her character both scary and sexy. Indeed, if there's one thing I cannot resist, it's beautiful Vampiric vixen bathing in blood.

       The rest of the cast are all brilliant, and it's safe to assume that as the plot unravels, we will be seeing more of them. Special mentions must go to Ryan Callaghan, as 'The Servent', who is reminiscent of 'Bad-Angel' in Buffy, and John Dutton as Farmer Hewitt, who has hilarious comic timing.

Directed with flair and passion by Chris Stone, and with a spot-on script and superb cast, 'Blood and Bone China' is unmissable stuff. Sexy, scary, gripping, and bloody, this should be number one on your viewing list. And you can do it right now! Chapter 1 - 'Oblivion and Paradise'

More About 'Blood and Bone China'

Official Website:  http://www.bloodandbonechina.com/index.html

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/BloodandBoneChina

Twitter: @BloodBoneChina

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/BloodandBoneChina

50 Reasons Why 'Time Crash' Is The Most Perfect 8 Minutes of 'Doctor Who' Ever

#5  Murray Gold did the music. His beautiful scores are cinematic, epic on a grand scale. And yet, for this little slice of nostalgic fun, Murray Gold scrapped his soaring orchestras and multi-layered harmonies in favour of an 80's style symphonic score. It adds to the overall effect, another direct little nod to a past era of this huge show. Just check out the little "Dun dun DDUUNNN!" bit when it's apparent the TARDIS will create a Belgium-sized hole in the Universe. Wonderful.

LISTEN TO THIS

Today, I'm bringing to your attention a frankly epic slice of old-school metal. A riff-roaring, multi-guitar-solo-ing beast of a track, 'Chainsaw Charlie' is easily the best thing on W.A.S.P. 's superb 'The Crimson Idol' album (1992). Lyrically, the song is about a greedy record-company owner, luring a wannabe rockstar into a life of excess and sin. It's brought to life beautifully, and is a genuine piece of incredible, powerful music. Just ignore this rather bland video, and focus on the music.

Oh, and W.A.S.P. are touring again this year. What are you waiting for?

Lilies - A Poem

Lilies

This field of lilies,

As white as winter snow,

Stretches on forever -

A pure, unbroken flow.

Hazily gleaming

Beneath a watchful Moon,

They are like freed spirits

Escaping Nature's womb.

Yet, not these lilies

Have I come here to admire,

But the lady who picks them,

Upon the midnight hour.

From my perch on high,

And clothed by the shadows,

I see her come bounding

Through the haunted meadow.

Raven hair so dark

Against the glowing bloom,

Lips like a scarlet heart,

Skin like a marble tomb.

She sinks to her knees

And gently plucks a flower.

The sweet scent of perfume

Seems to soothe and relax her.

The smile on her face

Outshines any moon or star.

Like a lily, just blossomed -

Dainty, elegant, and fair.

But the Night grows tired,

And the lady must return

To wherever it is she hides

When the great red Sun burns.

But return she will

On the following night,

To pick her chosen lilies,

Thus bringing me secret delight...

© Copyright Cory Eadson, 2012

Beautiful - A Poem

Your eyes, they inspire me.

Round and brown like a pair of shining pennies,

As mystifying as a vacant tomb.

Suddenly you smile, and I am distracted

From those rings of glistening darkness.

Your face radiates such chilling warmth,

As rounded white headstones connect between scarlet lips.

Overcome by awe, I stutter,

And laughter echoes from your half-moon necropolis:

A tuneful lament from one lost soul to another.

As I try to absorb your bewitching beauty,

Nature intervenes with a gentle breeze.

So daintily your Autumn hair drifts,

Like lilies dancing for the dead.

Yes, it's true. You reek of perfection:

Every crafted surface, every flawless flourish

Like a coffin.

And I want to be buried in you forever.

Copyright Cory Eadson, 2012

A Tribute To Paul Baloff (April 25, 1960 – February 2, 2002)

                                     

I could write a million words about Exodus' original lead singer, who died 10 years ago. I never met him, never had the pleasure of seeing him live when he was with the band, but his spirit always shines through, whether watching his shows on Youtube, or hearing his music, or what others have to say about him. All I'm going to say is this: Paul Baloff - Heavier Than Time. Enjoy the videos. Don't forget to headbang.

                                       

House of Dracula (1945) - A Review

The ‘House of Dracula’ is yet another of the Universal sequels, with familiar monsters, convoluted mad Doctor plotlines and clichés galore. But it’s also rather good…

Dracula (John Carradine, in a chilling, dignified performance), has decided he wants to be cured of his vampirism and evil-ness, seeking out kindly Doctor Franz Edelmann (Onslow Stevens) to aid him. Of course, Dracula is lying (the fiend!), using the ploy to get close to the Doctor’s daughter, the sumptuous Milizia (Martha O’Driscoll). In a series of insane events, however, the plot spirals out of control, as Lawrence Talbot turns up wanting to be cured of his lycanthropy (and Lon Chaney, Jr. gives yet another fantastic performance as the haunted Wolfman), Frankenstein’s monster is found buried in the sand, and Dracula possesses Dr. Franz via his bloodstream!

This film offers nothing especially new to the Universal horror table, and many of the clichés and settings are much the same as in previous sequels ‘House of Frankenstein’ and ‘The Ghost of Frankenstein’. It is, however, wonderfully enjoyable, and gorgeously directed by Erle C. Kenton.

We get to see Dracula actually transform into a bat before our very eyes (a big thing for audiences at the time), and Dr. Franz go from a force for good, to Mr. Hyde-esque vulgarity. Yes, Frankenstein’s monster (played by Glenn Strange, who made the part his own in three movies) is tacked on and used at the end just to bring the house down (literally), but his inclusion adds to the fun. The shot of him buried in the sand is also suitably chilling.

Lon Chaney, Jr. is splendid as Talbot. Indeed, being the only actor to have played the Wolfman and his human counterpart in all the original Universal films, you get the sense that Chaney understood his character. Unlike the lumbering monster, or the cold evil of Dracula, Chaney gives Talbot real emotional depth, and the scenes in this film with Talbot in human form are far more interesting than when he becomes the Wolfman. It’s a joy at the end, to learn that he has finally been cured of his lycanthropy.

As a Bela Lugosi fan, it’s always a sorry point to look at how his career declined, and a sad fact that he never reprised Dracula on screen (in a horror film, at least). Carradine, however, is simply excellent. Rather than imitating Lugosi, he makes the role his own, taking explicit inspiration from the original Bram Stoker novel. He manages to be both suave and malicious, devious and sadistic. It’s all there. It is, however, a surprise that his character is killed off so soon, considering the film bares his name. It’s Dr. Franz who takes over as chief villain, possessed by Dracula and essentially becoming a Mr. Hyde subtitute.

One ‘monster’ in the film who is not evil at all, is the lovely Nina (Jane Adams). A beautiful, intelligent lady, Nina is also a hunchback, and the use of such an attractive lady to play the part of somebody with a disfigurement really adds character and depth to the film. It’s a masterstroke, and Jane Adams does the role justice.

‘House of Dracula’ is a great popcorn flick. Action, suspense, characters with depth, the usual lush settings of towers and caverns, and four super monsters duking it out…all packed into a mere 65 minutes. 

A must-see for any horror fan!