Up from the Vault
Rare Thrillers of the 1920s and 1930s
(0 vote)Average rating:
| 0 | rating |  = We can do without |
| 0 | rating |  = Good book |
| 0 | rating |  = Excellent book |
| 0 | rating |  = Unique / a reference |
Your rating: -
Book Presentation:
A number of thrillers made in the 1920s and 1930s have become available again thanks to new technology. There are a few, however, that remain elusive to most, if not all, movie buffs. This book covers 21 thrillers from those decades that are well-regarded and eagerly sought, but difficult to find—The Mystery of Dr. Fu Manchu (1923), The Unknown Purple (1923), The Sorrows of Satan (1926), While London Sleeps (1926), The Monkey Talks (1927), The Chinese Parrot (1927), Stark Mad (1929), The Unholy Night (1929), High Treason (1929), The Spider (1931), Eran Trece (1931), The Monkey’s Paw (1933), Trick for Trick (1933), Deluge (1933), The Vanishing Shadow (1934), The Witching Hour (1934), Double Door (1934), Black Moon (1934), Le Golem (1936), The Scarab Murder Case (1937), and Sh! The Octopus (1937). For each film, the author provides such details as the production company, running time, release date(s), cast and production credits, a synopsis, and commentary.
About the Author:
John T. Soister is a teacher of modern and classical languages, and lives in Denver, Colorado.
Press Reviews:
"unique…highly interesting…incisively written…important piece of history…does a service to fans"—Monsters from the Vault; "fascinating…a great read and a great book"—Little Shoppe of Horrors; "magnificent…a must…important…wonderful"—VideoScope; "very interesting…a good job…recommended reading"—Silents Are Golden; "fluid writing style…[the author has] done his homework"—Video Watchdog; "sheds light on 21 undeservedly neglected films"—C&RL News.
> From the same author:
Down from the Attic (2016)
Rare Thrillers of the Silent Era through the 1950s
by John T. Soister and Henry Nicolella
Of Gods and Monsters (2005)
A Critical Guide to Universal Studios' Science Fiction, Horror and Mystery Films, 1929–1939
> On a related topic:
Precarious Secrets (2025)
A History of the Latin American Political Thriller
States of Danger and Deceit (2024)
The European Political Thriller in the 1970s
Dir. Rachel Hayward, Ellen Smith and Andy Willis
The Vigilante Thriller (2024)
Violence, Spectatorship and Identification in American Cinema, 1970-76
by Cary Edwards
History and Story in the American Political Thriller Film (2023)
Hollywood in the Labyrinth
Back
