Steven Helmer Publications

Synopsis : After learning she has new neighbors, Margaret Drysdale (Harriet E. MacGibbon) travels back to Beverly Hills to investigate. Meanwhile, the Clampetts discover the telephone. My Thoughts:  I was originally a bit surprised the show didn't introduce Mrs. Drysdale right away. However, after seeing the way, the established her both as a snob and a hypochondriac, I'm glad the series waited until the fourth episode and gave her intro the right amount of time, though it did end in a bit of a cliffhanger after she finally does meet them. For a guy who wanted Elly May ( Donna Douglas ) to dress more like a lady , Jed (Buddy Ebsen ) suddenly got ultra-conservative. That sundress was reasonably modest, even by 1960s standards I think, and she did wear a coverup for her swimsuit when she wasn't in the water. I'm not sure what Jed was expecting, Victorian-style fashion? I do kind of agree about his beauty contest objection though. I know it was part of a ruse to keep them...

Synopsis: In 1886, Herman W. Mudgett, under the alias Dr. Henry Howard Holmes or H. H. Holmes, moved to Chicago and after running a successful pharmacy business, built his "castle" on the corner of 63rd and Wallace Street. With the help of secret rooms, trap doors and a gas-fired furnace, he used his building to become the city's most notorious serial killer. This graphic novel tells his story. Review: I had to attend an event last night for my day job that both proved to be a bust and meant I didn't get home until much later than normal. I wanted something to read to settle myself down before bed and, since my wife recently finished reading it, gave The Beast of Chicago a try. I picked this book up at our library for her because I knew it would interest her. After reading it myself, I would describe it as an interesting and informative book. My wife and I both agreed the book likely left out some details, but it manages to give a good overview of H. H. Holmes'...

Synopsis: While Jed ( Buddy Ebsen ) and his family settle in Beverly Hills, Cousin Pearl ( Bea Benaderet ) watches over his family homestead and learns about his new home from oil man John Brewster ( Frank Wilcox ). My Thoughts:  It still baffles me Milburn Drysdale ( Raymond Bailey ) didn't do any research on the Clampetts. I know he only really cares about the millions they put in his bank but, based on his comment about Jed's "mansion" back home, it appears he didn't even realize Jed was a new millionaire and not someone who came from money. Even without the research, you would think he would have figured it out. I mean, just based on the truck they were driving and their clothes alone, it shouldn't have been difficult to determine they may not quite understand the concept of modern conveniences and had his secretary, Jane Hathaway (Nancy Kulp) give them the basics on things like running water. Which brings me back to a previous question, why does Pearl se...

Synopsis: Milicent Patrick lived a full life in Hollywood. She worked in the animation department for Walt Disney, spent some time working as a model and, most famously, helped design the Gill Man costume for Creature from the Black Lagoon . However, because of her gender, most of her accomplishments, including that last one, have been erased from history and/or claimed by men. In this non-fiction biography, the author chases down Milicent's lost legacy and helps her reclaim credit for her work. Review: I love classic monster movies, but I am almost equally a fan of the history surrounding a lot of those classic films. So, when I learned about The Lady from the Black Lagoon, I decided to request a copy from my library and give it a read. I was not disappointed. Truth-be-told, I never heard the name Milicent Patrick before reading this book but, as it turns out, there is good reason for that - as much as she accomplished in her time in Hollywood, including one of the most iconic m...

Synopsis: No longer in high school, Slip Mahoney is struggling to hold onto a job, frustrating his sister, Mary, who has promised to take care of him. Not wanting to disappoint her, Slip reluctantly takes a job as a skip tracer and proves to be a natural. However, an assignment to serve a summon to auto thieves puts his life in danger and reveals information about Mary's boss, Herbert Sayers, just as she is about to travel to Mexico with him. Who's in it? The movie stars Leo Gorcey , Huntz Hall , Pamela Blake , John Eldredge and Bobby Jordan . Review: It had been a short while since I last watched a Bowery Boys movie and, after coming across Live Wires , the first film to introduce that version of Leo Gorcey and his crew, I decided to take the time to watch it. After finishing it, I have to say I liked it. While the movie was Slip (Gorcey) focused and had the rest of the Bowery Boys, even Sach (Hall) more in a supporting role, I thought the overall story was entertaining. I...

Synopsis: Bud and Lou are stranded in Egypt but see a way home if they can convince Dr. Gustav Zoomer to hire them to accompany the recently discovered mummy, Klaris, back to America. They, however, find Zoomer murdered and become the top suspects. In addition, they are hunted by both Klaris' followers and businesswoman Madame Rontru, seeking a medallion Lou found that is the key to finding a hidden treasure undead Klaris is guarding. Things become even more complicated for the duo when Lou accidentally swallows the artifact. Who's in it? The movie stars Bud Abbott , Lou Costello , Marie Windsor , Richard Deacon and Eddie Parker. Review: It had been a while since I watched Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy and while I remembered not liking it as much as their other monster-themed films, I couldn't remember the details. So, I decided to give it another try. After re-watching it, I concluded the movie is better than I remembered, though I still stand by my earlier opinio...