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AUTHOR BRIAN MCFADDEN VISITS THE SSO MARCH 29 & 30

Posted: March 24th, 2014, 11:06 pm
by Sue Sue Applegate
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Author Brian McFadden with Peter Cushing, Ed McMahon, Brooke Shields, Benji, John Houseman, Raymond Burr, Ed Asner, Tony Bennett, Tony Randall, Tyne Daly, Sharon Gless, Steve Allen, and Lloyd Bridges.

Our guest this weekend is the author of a new book about Republic Studios! Mr. McFadden has been a serious student of the creative formula Republic used for its famed serials and westerns, and in his book, he demonstrates how Republic successfully applied that formula to its feature films. Unfortunately, many of these films, including the horror films that are the subject of this first Republic volume, are not readily available on DVD.

Veteran broadcast journalist Brian McFadden has spent 40 years working as a reporter and entertainment editor for UPI, various magazines devoted to film and popular music, and was a Wall Street Journal Radio anchor for more than two decades. He has taught courses at Seton Hall University and lectured at The New York School for Continuing Education. His previous book on Britain's famed Amicus Productions has just been nominated for a Rondo award.

McFadden has been a serious student of Republic Pictures' serials and westerns, and he valiantly hopes his latest book will help generate interest in Republic's excellent feature films, most of which have been absent from television since the mid-fifties.

McFadden's fascination with film began in childhood when Republic was one of the few studios willing to release its films to television, and admits his fascination has lasted a lifetime. As a young adult, his main goal was to find a way to make a living that would allow him to play some role in preserving memories of the films he enjoyed and feels lucky to have had such a lengthy and rewarding career as a journalist.

While in college, McFadden began interviewing celebrities. Shortly after graduation, he began working for UPI and was soon Features Editor for UPI Radio Broadcasting which led to his hosting a show for Billboard Magazine where he did interviews with prominent musicians and celebrities . His prestigious move to Wall Street Journal Radio followed where he spent the next two decades.

It has been a joy to visit with Brian on the phone to prepare for his visit this weekend and his vast knowledge of studio operations, classic film actors, and celebrities is inspiring and exciting. Help us celebrate the publication of his latest book, Republic Horrors: The Serial Studio Chillers!

I asked Brian if there is anything he would like SSO members to know about him before his visit, and this is his reply:

"Only that this weekend isn’t just about Republic’s horror films. It’s about all of the major actors and actresses who appeared in Republic features and whose work for the studio is never seen anymore. Everyone from Peter Lorre to Virginia Grey! It’s about the studio’s list of “Old Reliables” that reads like a “Who’s Who” of Hollywood character actors. It’s about vintage B-films in general (I’m currently working on my next volume, “Republic Mysteries.”) And, of course, feel free to open the discussion to actors, actresses and musicians I’ve interviewed over the years. The only agenda for the weekend is to have fun!”

Welcome author Brian McFadden this Saturday, March 29, and Sunday, March 30!

The "trailer" for Republic Horrors: The Serial Studio's Chillers:

[youtube][/youtube]

Books by Author Brian McFadden:
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Republic Horrors: The Serial Studio's Chillers

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Amicus Horrors: Tales From the Filmmaker's Crypt

Brian McFadden's Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Brian-McFadden/e/ ... 667&sr=1-2

Examiner Announcement: http://www.examiner.com/article/veteran ... reen-oasis